Anne of Green Gables (1932)

Overview

This 1934 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables holds a special place in film history, not just as the first talkie adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel, but also because it introduced audiences to a young actress, Dawn O'Day, who so closely identified with the character of Anne Shirley that she adopted the name for the rest of her career.

Although this version streamlines and simplifies much of the novel, it was a box-office success in its time and endeared itself to audiences for its wholesome, sentimental tone and strong performances. While later versions (notably the 1985 miniseries) would offer more faithful and richly textured adaptations, the 1934 film remains a charming artifact of early Hollywood literary adaptations.

Plot Summary

The story follows Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan girl mistakenly sent to live with the aging Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the fictional rural town of Avonlea. They had requested a boy to help on their farm, but instead, Anne arrives—fiery-haired, talkative, and dreaming of a better life.

Though Marilla initially wants to send her back to the orphanage, Anne's vibrant personality and emotional openness slowly endear her to the siblings. Anne navigates life in Avonlea, dealing with strict social expectations, her deepening friendship with Diana Barry, and her academic rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, who famously calls her "Carrots."

The film condenses many plot elements from the book, culminating in Anne’s academic success and her decision to remain at Green Gables to care for Marilla after Matthew’s death.

Performances

Anne Shirley (as Anne Shirley)

Casting Anne Shirley (the actress) as Anne Shirley (the character) proved to be an inspired decision. At just 16, she brings a genuine mix of spunk, earnestness, and vulnerability to the role. While she doesn’t fully embody the hyper-imaginative dramatics of Montgomery’s Anne from the novel, she carries the emotional heart of the story well. Her performance walks a fine line between spirited and sweet, giving early audiences a heroine who was both relatable and aspirational.

Her performance resonated so deeply that she legally changed her name to Anne Shirley, underscoring the lasting association she had with the character.

Helen Westley (Marilla Cuthbert)

Westley plays Marilla as a stern yet increasingly affectionate figure. Her transformation from gruff caretaker to devoted maternal figure is somewhat rushed due to runtime constraints, but her expressive face conveys deep internal change. She offers warmth beneath the no-nonsense exterior.

O.P. Heggie (Matthew Cuthbert)

As the gentle and shy Matthew, Heggie delivers a quietly moving performance. His affection for Anne is subtle but sincere, and his scenes with her are among the film’s most tender. His death, though swiftly handled, is one of the film’s most affecting moments.

Sara Haden (Mrs. Barry) and Tom Brown (Gilbert Blythe)

Haden offers a serviceable turn as Diana Barry’s disapproving mother, while Tom Brown plays Gilbert with a more straightforward charm than later versions. The romantic tension is downplayed here, with only hints of future affection rather than the more developed arc found in the novels or later adaptations.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Director George Nicholls Jr. opts for a straightforward, no-frills style typical of 1930s family dramas. The cinematography is static but serviceable, with much of the action taking place in interiors or small outdoor sets. The visual palette is limited due to the black-and-white format, but the film leans into lighting and facial expressions to capture the emotional range of its characters.

This film lacks the lush, immersive visuals of later adaptations, but it compensates with a strong emphasis on character and sentiment. The film's tone is resolutely wholesome, playing into Depression-era desires for escapism and values-driven storytelling.

Adaptation Choices

The 1934 film makes significant changes and omissions for time and clarity:

Condensed Plot: Many subplots and colourful side characters (like Mrs. Rachel Lynde and the “Haunted Wood” stories) are trimmed or omitted.

Softer Tone: Anne’s fiery temper and imagination are slightly toned down to make her more “palatable” to 1930s audiences.

Gilbert Romance Minimized: The love/hate dynamic between Anne and Gilbert is only lightly touched on.

Modernized Dialogue: Some of the poetic language and florid expressions from the book are simplified, though Anne still retains her tendency toward dramatics.

Despite these adjustments, the film retains the core emotional arc: a lonely girl finds love, acceptance, and purpose in a place that becomes home.

Music and Sound

The film’s music is minimal, typical for early talkies, with brief sentimental cues that enhance emotional scenes. Dialogue and ambient sound carry the bulk of the storytelling. The absence of a more pronounced musical score makes the performances all the more central.

Criticisms

Pacing and Depth: The film’s brevity sacrifices depth and nuance. Relationships and character growth happen too quickly, undermining the rich emotional layers of the original novel.

Over-Sentimentality: At times, the film leans heavily into melodrama and sentimentality, a common trait of 1930s family films.

Simplified Anne: While Anne is still spirited, she is far less complex than in the source material. Her imaginative monologues, emotional tantrums, and introspective musings are muted.

Stagey Direction: The film reflects the static, theatrical style of early sound cinema. Scenes unfold like vignettes, with little cinematic flair.

Legacy

Though now overshadowed by later adaptations, the 1934 Anne of Green Gables played a vital role in bringing Anne’s story to the screen and introducing her to a broader American audience. It was well-received at the time and even led to a 1940 sequel (Anne of Windy Poplars), also starring Anne Shirley.

Perhaps its most enduring legacy is its influence on Anne Shirley (the actress), who had a successful Hollywood career under the name of the character that made her famous.

For fans of classic cinema and literary adaptations, this version offers a nostalgic and respectful take on a literary icon, even if it lacks the richness and completeness of later efforts.

Conclusion

The 1934 Anne of Green Gables is a heartfelt, if simplified, adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel. Anchored by a charming performance from the young Anne Shirley, it captures the emotional essence of the story, even as it condenses much of the source material for its short runtime.

It may not be the most faithful or visually stunning version, but it remains an important piece of film history—and a gentle, enjoyable viewing experience for admirers of Anne’s world.

A warm, early screen interpretation that introduced Anne to film audiences with affection and sincerity, even if it lacks the complexity and scope of later adaptations.