Anne of Green Gables

Diana, isn't that Matthew Cuthbert?

-Yes, Mother, why are you so surprised?

-Where can he be going?

-He doesn't go to town this time of year, he never visits.

-Maybe he's taking a drive.

-But he's dressed up.

He isn't driving fast enough to be going for a doctor.

I'm clean puzzled. I won't have a moment's peace of mind

-till I find out from his sister, Marilla.

-Can I go with you?

-No, you'd better get churning.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Come in.

-Good morning, Marilla.

-Good morning, Rachel.

-How is everyone at Barry's House?

-Pretty well.

I was afraid you weren't. I saw your brother ride by and thought he was going to the doctor's.

Matthew's gone to Bright River.

-We're getting a little boy from an orphanage in Nova Scotia and he's coming on the train today.

-A boy?

You and Matthew Cuthbert are adopting a boy?

Well, the world is certainly turning upside down!

I'll be surprised at nothing after this!

-What put such a notion into your head?

-Matthew's getting on. He's 60, and he isn't so spry as he was.

His heart troubles him

and you know how desperate hard it is to get hired help!

Can I get you a cup of tea?

How can I drink tea when I'm so excited I'm ready to burst? How did you know the boy was coming?

We had a telegram from Mrs Spencer saying she'd drop the boy off at Bright River station.

Matthew's gone to meet him.

Well, Marilla, you know I pride myself on speaking my mind.

I think you're doing a mighty risky thing!

I read about a man and his wife who took a boy out of an orphanage and he set fire to the house.

In New Brunswick, an orphan asylum child put strychnine in the well!

-The whole family died in fearful agony. It was a girl that time.

-We're not getting a girl.

DISTANT TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

Hello, Angus. Is that the 1.35 just left?

-Yes, you're late. A passenger was dropped off for you.

-That's why I'm here.

-She preferred to stay outside.

-She?

-Yeah, she said she wouldn't go inside because there's no scope for the imagination!

We're not expecting a girl. It's a boy I've come for.

She won't have trouble explaining. She's got a tongue of her own!

I suppose you're Mr Matthew Cuthbert! My name is Anne Shirley. Anne with an E.

-I was so afraid you weren't coming. I was imagining why.

-Isn't there some mistake?

You're Mr Matthew Cuthbert, aren't you?

-Yes.

-If you're Mr Matthew Cuthbert, there can't be no mistake.

Mrs Spencer told me to wait right here for you.

I can carry it. If it isn't carried a certain way, the handle falls off.

I know the exact knack of it.

Oh, I must have lost the knack!

Well, don't you think we'd better be going?

I guess it'll be all right.

We've got to drive a long piece yet, haven't we?

Oh, I'm glad because I love driving!

Oh, it seems so wonderful

that I'm going to live with you and belong to you!

As I was saying, I never belonged to anyone before -

just to the asylum - and that was worse than anything you can imagine!

Mrs Spencer said it was wicked to talk like that but I don't mean to be wicked. Am I talking too much?

You can talk as much as you like. I don't mind.

Oh, I know you and I are going to get along just wonderfully!

Oh, I just love this place already!

I've always heard that Prince Edward Island was the most beautiful place in the world.

I used to imagine that I lived here, but I never expected that I would.

Do you imagine much?

Well... No.

At the asylum I used to imagine all kinds of things.

Sometimes I'd imagine that the girl next to me

was the daughter of an earl who had been stolen in infancy

by a cruel nurse who had died before she could confess.

Isn't this beautiful?

What does that tree all white and lacy make you think of?

Well, now, I don't know.

A bride, of course!

A bride in white,

with a lovely misty veil!

Just now, I feel pretty nearly perfectly happy.

-I can't feel exactly perfectly happy because... What colour would you call this?

-It's red, isn't it?

Yes, and that's why I can't feel perfectly happy.

I know I'm skinny and freckled and my eyes are green, but I can imagine

I have a beautiful rose-leaf complexion and violet eyes,

but I cannot imagine my red hair away.

I do my best, but it's no use.

It will be my lifelong sorrow.

I read of a girl once in a novel who was divinely beautiful.

-Have you ever imagined what it must be like to be divinely beautiful?

-Well, now, no, I haven't.

Oh, I have - often. Would you rather be angelically good, dazzlingly clever or divinely beautiful?

Well, now...

I don't exactly know.

Anyhow, we're getting nigh home.

That's the house.

-Why, it has gables! What do you call it?

-Oh, just the house.

What if I gave it a new name? Something more euphonious.

Let me see...

Gables. And they're green. Green Gables!

I think that's nice.

From now on that's what we'll call it - Green Gables!

Oh, it's too beautiful to be true!

I know I shall live here

until I grow to be a real old lady with grey hair!

I'm overwhelmed!

Marilla!

-Marilla, this is...

-How do you do?

-Matthew Cuthbert, who's that?

-I wanted to tell you.

-Where's the boy?

-The station master at Bright River...

-Where's the boy?

There wasn't any boy. There was only her.

-We told Mrs Spencer to bring a boy!

-She didn't. She only brought her.

-I figured she couldn't be left there no matter what the mistake was.

-A pretty kettle of fish!

-This is what comes of not going ourselves!

-You don't want me because I'm not a boy?

Nobody ever did want me!

I might have known it was too beautiful to last!

-Well, don't cry about it.

-I'm not crying, only this is the most tragical thing

that's ever happened to me!

-What's your name?

-Will you call me Cordelia?

-Call you Cordelia?

-Don't you think it's a pretty name?

-Is that your name?

-No, but I'd love to be called Cordelia.

-What on earth do you mean?

-It's such a perfectly elegant name, don't you think?

-What is your name?

-Anne Shirley. Isn't that unromantic?

-No. Anne is a good, plain, sensible name.

-You've no need to be ashamed of it.

-I'm not, only I like Cordelia better.

I've always imagined I should have been named Cordelia.

If you're going to call me Anne,

-it's with an E.

-What difference does it make?

Anne with an E looks distinguished. If you call me that, I'll try and reconcile myself to it.

-Anne with an E, how did you get here instead of a boy?

-If I were beautiful, would you keep me?

-No.

A girl would be of no use to us. Don't stand there gaping.

Come along. We'll have to put you somewhere.

Now, take your hat off.

-You'll have to have supper of course.

-Oh, I can never eat when I'm in the depths of despair!

-Depths of despair!

-Can you eat when you're that way?

-I've never been that way.

-Can't you imagine it?

-No, I can't. There's your room. Wash up and come down.

-Yes, ma'am.

Tomorrow I'll see who's responsible for all this rigamaroling.

I'll visit Mrs Spencer. This girl goes back to the asylum tomorrow.

I suppose so.

You suppose so? Don't you know it?

Well, she's a real nice little thing. It's a pity to send her back

when she's so set on staying here.

That child has bewitched you! I can see you want to keep her!

-You should have heard her talking coming from the station.

-I don't like children with too much to say.

-As far as I'm concerned, it's a closed book!

-I can hire a boy to help me...

..and she'd be company for you.

I'm not suffering for company. She's going back where she came from!

Watch out for my feet.

Hurry, child!

I was just taking a farewell look at the place.

In the years to come, I'll look back on Green Gables as a beautiful dream that I hope will always haunt me.

-Don't you think that...?

-Never mind that.

Goodbye, Mr Cuthbert.

-I shall never forget your kindness.

-Goodbye.

Giddy-up!

Matthew, don't forget to take the butter out of the churn!

And close the gate to the pasture!

If Mrs Barry comes over, return that sugar I borrowed!

My dear Mrs Spencer, how could such a mistake have happened?

No harm done. I'm sure Mrs Blewett will take her.

Mama, Mrs Spencer's here with another lady!

Good morning. This is Miss Cuthbert, Mrs Blewett.

-And this is the girl I told you about.

-Come in.

I got a stew on.

I'll be right back.

Sit down, Miss Cuthbert.

I still can't understand how it happened...

..how ever in the world you made such a mistake!

I understand how you feel. That's why I brought you here.

It can all be straightened out. Mrs Blewett will take Anne. She needs help with the children.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Mrs Spencer.

There's so much to do.

-What's your name?

-Anne Shirley.

-How old are you?

-14.

-There ain't much to you, but you look wiry.

Your kind are the best. If I take you, you'll have to be a good girl,

good and smart and respectful.

I'll expect you to earn your keep.

Well, I might as well take her off your hands right now.

Well, I don't know.

I'd better take her home again and talk it over with Matthew. I won't do anything without consulting him.

If we make up our minds not to keep her,

I'll send her back tomorrow. Would that be all right, Mrs Blewett?

I suppose it will have to be.

Good day.

I wouldn't give a dog I liked to that Blewett woman.

Matthew, aren't you going to say anything?

I wish you were more like other men and would talk things out -

somebody who answers back and argues you into reason.

What's to be done with men who just look?

Here's your nightgown.

-Thank you! It's...

-Get into it!

-Don't forget to say your prayers.

-Do you think they're essential?

-Weren't you taught to say your prayers?

I used to at the Sunday school, but weekdays I was just too tired.

Well...

You'll say your prayers while you're under my roof!

Why of course, if you want me to!

-Kneel down.

-That's the part I never could understand.

Why must people kneel down to pray?

If I really wanted to pray, I'd go to a great big field all alone.

Then I'd look up at the beautiful sky that looks as if there's no end to its blueness,

and I'd imagine it was the dome of a great cathedral

or the canopy of heaven,

and then I'd just feel a prayer.

Well, what am I to say?

Well, Anne, I think you're big enough to pray for yourself.

Just thank God for His blessings,

and ask Him humbly for the things you want.

I'll try and do my best.

Gracious Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for everything.

The things I want are so numerous, it would take a great deal of time to name them,

so I'll only mention the two most important. Please let me stay here,

and please make me beautiful when I grow up.

I remain yours respectfully, Anne Shirley.

There, did I do all right?

Yes.

-Goodnight, Anne.

-Goodnight.

Oh, Miss Cuthbert!

I should have said "Amen" instead of "Yours respectfully"!

-Do you suppose it will make any difference?

-No, I don't suppose it will.

-Come on, child, finish your breakfast.

-I'm all finished.

-You haven't eaten anything.

-Please tell me if you're sending me back.

I've tried to be patient all morning but I can't bear it any longer. Please tell me!

Go tidy your room and dress your best!

-But it's all tidy and this is my best.

-Then go wash your hands.

Mrs Barry's coming up the path and I want you to look your nicest.

-Good morning, Marilla.

-Come in, Rachel.

-Thank you.

I hope everything's all right so far. It's a great responsibility you've taken on.

There's no telling how a child like that will turn out.

-I don't want to discourage you.

-I'm not feeling discouraged.

-I suppose you want to see Anne.

-Anne? A girl?

-Yes. Anne!

Anne Shirley!

-This is Mrs Barry.

-How do you do?

Well, they didn't pick you for looks!

A bit skinny.

And did anyone ever see such hair?

Red as carrots!

How dare you say I'm skinny and red-headed? You're a rude, unfeeling woman and I hate you!

-Anne!

-How would you like to have nasty things said about you? That you're ugly and gossipy,

-and you're sour as an old crab apple?

-Anne! Anne Shirley!

-Well! I don't envy you your job of bringing that up!

-You shouldn't have twitted her about her looks, Rachel.

-Marilla Cuthbert!

-Perhaps she hasn't been taught what's right, and you were hard on her, Rachel!

I see I'll have to be careful about what I say.

Orphans from goodness knows where seem to be considered before anything else!

If you'll take my advice, you'll do the talking to her with a good-sized birch switch! Goodbye, Marilla.

Come to see me as often as you can,

-but don't expect me to visit here again if I'm to be insulted in such a fashion!

-Goodbye, Rachel.

That was a nice way for you to behave and of all people, you picked on Rachel Barry!

She had no right to call me skinny and red-headed!

She may have been too outspoken,

but she's your elder, a stranger and my visitor -

all reasons why you should have been respectful.

You'll go to her and say sorry!

I could never do that! You can punish me in any way you like.

You can shut me up in a dark dungeon inhabited by snakes and toads,

and you can feed me on bread and water and I shall not complain,

but I cannot ask Mrs Barry to forgive me!

If you expect to remain under my roof,

-you'll apologise to Mrs Barry!

-Then I'll leave now! Send me back to the orphanage! I'll never say I'm sorry!

-Sounds as if she meant it.

-She's determined, all right.

Well, maybe it's best. I've a feeling we would never like her.

Matthew Cuthbert, don't form opinions for me!

I never said I do or don't like her!

When the time comes, I'll speak my own mind!

Thank you, Mr Cuthbert.

Well, I see you're leaving.

-How could I remain here after all those things Mrs Barry said about me?

-I can see that.

I'll never say I'm sorry, because I'm not! I can't even imagine I'm sorry!

Marilla thinks it's best you're going back and I don't know but what she's right.

It's kind of a lonely place for a little girl here -

no other children, you know,

and, well, after all...

you're used to the orphanage,

and all your old friends are there.

I guess you'd like it better.

Of course, if you'd rather stay around here,

you can always go to Mrs Blewett.

-Mr Cuthbert...

-I might be able

to see you sometimes... but...perhaps...

Well, I guess you'd better go back to the orphanage.

-Mr Cuthbert, suppose I changed my mind?

-What about Mrs Barry?

Marilla's dreadfully determined.

I'd just rather die than tell Mrs Barry I'm sorry!

Don't you think you'd better do it and get it over with?

You know, you don't have to be exactly sorry.

You can be sort of sorry

and that will smooth it over.

Well, if you really want me to...

I've been thinking,

it would be terribly lonesome downstairs without you.

-The sooner you...

-I'll do it! Go downstairs and I'll tell Miss Cuthbert that I've repented!

Good!

Now don't you tell her that I said anything about it.

She might think that I was interfering,

and that would spoil the whole thing.

It'll be just our secret.

Wild horses couldn't drag the secret from me!

How could wild horses drag a secret from anybody?

Miss Cuthbert!

-What is it?

-I'm sorry I lost my temper and said those rude things

-and I'm willing to tell Mrs Barry so.

-Get your hat

-and I'll take you there at once.

-Yes, ma'am.

I knew if we left her alone, she'd come to her senses!

Matthew Cuthbert, you must admit I have a way about things!

-Go in the house, Diana. What is about to happen may not be for your ears.

-Oh, Mother!

-Go on in.

Mrs Barry, I'm extremely sorry I behaved so terribly.

I should never have disgraced the dear friends who have let me stay at Green Gables.

I'm a wicked, ungrateful girl

who deserves to be punished and cast out by respectable people for ever.

What you said was true. My hair is red and I am skinny and ugly.

What I said about you is true, too, but I shouldn't have said it. Oh, please, Mrs Barry,

please, please forgive me!

If you refuse, it will be a lifelong sorrow to me.

You wouldn't want to inflict a lifelong sorrow on a poor little orphan! I'm sure you wouldn't!

Oh, Mrs Barry, please say you'll forgive me!

Get up, child. Of course I forgive you! I was a little hard on you but you mustn't mind me.

And don't worry about your hair. I knew a girl whose hair was every bit as red as yours when she was young.

When she grew up, it darkened to a real handsome auburn.

You've given me hope! I shall always feel that you're a benefactor!

-LAUGHTER

-Come here, dear!

Yes, Mother?

-This is my little girl, Diana.

-This is Anne Shirley.

-Anne with an E.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Take Anne to the garden and show her the flowers.

-I'd love that!

-Come on!

Matthew and I were thinking that though we haven't exactly decided to keep her, she ought to go to school.

Diana will pick her up in the morning.

Well, you wash dishes pretty well.

I'm better at looking after children. I had so much experience at the orphanage.

-It's a pity you haven't any here for me to look after.

-I don't feel as if I want any more children here.

You're problem enough!

What's to be done with you I don't know.

-Matthew is the most aggravating man!

-Your brother's lovely! I felt he was a kindred spirit as soon as we met!

Well, you're both odd enough, if that's what you mean!

Don't get it into your head we've definitely decided to keep you,

but in the meantime, your schooling mustn't be neglected.

-Diana is coming to take you.

-I'll try to be good in school.

-Of course, it will be uphill work.

-Behaviour is as important as fine marks. I expect both from you.

What am I to call you? Miss Cuthbert or may I call you Aunt Marilla?

No, you can call me just plain Marilla. Being called Miss Cuthbert will make me nervous.

-I'd love to call you Aunt Marilla!

-I'm not your aunt.

That name doesn't belong to me.

-You could imagine you were my aunt.

-I could not.

-Don't you ever imagine things differently from what they really are?

-No, I never imagine things

differently from what they really are!

-Oh, Marilla, how much you miss!

-Hmph!

-What's your name?

-My name is Anne Shirley. Anne spelt with an E.

-We pride ourselves on our scholastic record and hope that you will, too.

-I'm sure I will!

My father and mother were teachers,

-so that gives us something in common!

-You'll sit with Diana Barry.

Thank you, Mr Phillips! Diana's my bosom friend!

-I'll get your history later.

-I can tell you that right now. I'm 14 and I was born in Halifax.

My father's name was Walter Shirley and my mother's name was Bertha.

I'm so glad my parents had names that were nice.

It would be such a disgrace to have a father named Hezekiah!

-It doesn't matter what a man's name is as long as he behaves.

-Well, I read that a rose by any other name

would smell as sweet, but I don't believe a rose would be as nice

-if it were called a skunk cabbage!

-Please take your seat with Diana.

Yes, sir.

Now we will resume our geography lesson where we left off yesterday.

I want you to pay particular attention.

(That's Gilbert Blythe. Don't you think he's handsome?)

MR PHILLIPS TALKS IN THE BACKGROUND

(The teacher!)

(Carrots!)

Carrots!

-You mean, hateful boy!

-Ow!

-How dare you?

-Well, Anne Shirley, I must say this is very nice behaviour for your first day in school!

It was my fault, Mr Phillips. I teased her.

I'm used to the eccentricities of Gilbert Blythe, but I'm sorry to see a new pupil display such temper!

Face the class!

Anne...

..you will write that 100 times.

CHILDREN CHATTER

I'm awful sorry I made fun of your hair.

Honest I am!

That's the first time I ever heard Gilbert Blythe apologise!

You shouldn't be angry with him. He calls me toe-head!

There's a great difference between being called toe-head and being called carrots!

I shall never forgive him! Gilbert Blythe has hurt my feelings excruciatingly!

-Anne!

-Yes, ma'am?

Never mind appearing so innocent. I've heard all about it - and your first day at school!

-But...

-I'm so ashamed of you,

-breaking slates over other students' heads!

-He called me carrots!

-You had no right to lose your temper.

-He hadn't any right to say it! Gilbert Blythe is a...

-Who did you say?

-Gilbert Blythe.

Did you smash your slate?

-Yes.

-Well, go upstairs and get ready for supper.

Run along, you must be starved.

That's what I couldn't understand.

I thought Marilla would give me a tanning or at least a talking-to.

Marilla doesn't like Gilbert. It isn't his fault - it's his father's.

Why, Diana, what do you mean?

I heard Mother talking to Mrs Blair.

It was about Gilbert's father running away with the girl that was to marry Matthew.

Mother said Matthew was never the same and Marilla didn't get married so she could take care of Matthew.

Diana, this is terribly interesting! What else did they say?

That Gilbert isn't even allowed to set foot on the Cuthbert property.

I'm going to find out more about this!

Warm day, isn't it?

Not too warm to do your churning!

-Would you mind if I asked you sort of a personal question?

-What is it?

Are you sure you're not harbouring any ill feeling against me

because I broke my slate over Gilbert Blythe's head?

You probably had just cause. Do you think it's nice to invite Diana here to do your work? Run along now.

I'm going to try Matthew!

And so poor Juliet died and so did Romeo.

Now wasn't that sad?

-Yes.

-Just think of it - both of them dead in the full bloom of youth,

all because two families fought with each other.

You don't think people act that way today, do you?

Anne, when you get as old as I am,

you'll know the world hasn't changed very much.

Did you know that I hit Gilbert Blythe over the head with my slate?

I heard something about it.

-I like that story about Romeo and Juliet.

-Do you know any up-to-date stories like that, Mr Cuthbert?

-No.

And if I were you, I wouldn't tell the ones you imagine around here,

especially to Marilla!

Oh, I won't if you don't want me to, but I'd sort of like to know why.

Well, Marilla doesn't believe in stories.

Is that the only reason?

It's getting kind of late, Anne.

I think we'd better start for the house.

-Love, marriage, friendship, courtship, hate...

-Ssh! Marilla!

-Good morning, Marilla.

-Morning, Diana.

-You look perfectly scrumptious!

-You wouldn't expect me to go to the Ladies Aid in my kitchen clothes.

Some day I'm going to have a brooch like that. Amethysts are lovely!

That's what I imagined diamonds were like - lovely, glimmering purple stones.

-Would it be asking too much if some day you'd grant me the privilege of wearing it for an hour?

-We'll see.

-I should love to see it on my green brocade with the flounce.

-Or on your foulard with the white spots.

-Or maybe on my taffeta!

-What are you babbling about?

-We're imagining what to wear on the hay ride.

Of course, it wouldn't matter what the dress was made of as long as it had puffed sleeves.

-Puffed sleeves are beautiful!

-Stop chattering and run along to school.

Matthew, get my lunch basket.

Oh, Marilla, may I tell Mr Phillips I'm going on the hay ride?

-I'll think about it when the time comes.

-Bye, Marilla. Bye, Matthew.

-Will Marilla go on the hay ride?

-I don't suppose so.

-Matthew?

-He might.

If you hadn't fought with Gilbert, he might have taken you.

He still will. All I have to do is wave my little finger at Gilbert and he'll come and beg me!

Psst!

-Where's Marilla?

-In her room.

Here, open this up.

I'll keep watch.

Puffed sleeves!

For the first time in my life I've run out of words!

I just don't know how to thank you!

-MARILLA:

-Anne!

-Anne Shirley!

-Yes, ma'am.

-Did you touch my amethyst brooch?

-I pinned it on to see how it looked.

-What right had you?! Where did you put it?

-Back on the bureau.

I promise I'll never do it again.

-That's one good thing about me. I never do the same wrong thing twice.

-Anne, the brooch is gone!

Now tell me the truth. Did you take it out and lose it?

-No, I didn't.

-Anne Shirley, you're telling a falsehood! Go to your room.

You'll stay there until you confess.

If you let me out for the hay ride, I'll stay there as long as you like cheerfully,

-but I've GOT to go to the hay ride!

-You'll go nowhere until you tell me the truth!

The youngster ought to be made to eat something!

I've taken two trays up to her and she wouldn't touch a thing.

All I can get from her is, "I'm too overwrought to think of eating!"

-Would you mind if I tried to get her to take something?

-Huh!

You've been in your room all this time? How much longer will it be?

For ever! Don't you see?

I can't have Marilla believe I took that brooch!

-Then you won't go on the hay ride, will you?

-That's what makes me grieve. I so wanted to go!

I wouldn't be too upset about it.

-I heard that Gilbert's taking Alice Wainwright.

-I'd like to go if for no other reason than to show you

I can make Gilbert Blythe eat right out of my hand!

Marilla, I'm ready to confess.

Come downstairs and let me hear what you have to say.

I took the amethyst brooch. I didn't mean to, but it was so beautiful

I was overcome with irresistible temptation.

I was imagining I was Lady Cordelia Fitzgerald

and it was so much easier to do that with the amethyst brooch on.

Then I strolled through Lover's Lane

and when I got to the bridge I took it off to look at it. I leaned over to see my reflection in the lake

and the brooch slipped through my fingers and went down, down, down,

and sank from sight for ever.

That's the best I can do at confessing.

Now may I go on the hay ride?

-NO!

-But you promised I could if I confessed!

-You're not going on the hay ride and that's final! Mrs Barry was right about you!

-Marilla!

Anne...

what did you mean by saying you took it and lost it?

Well, you said you'd keep me in my room till I confessed,

so I thought up a confession and made it as interesting as I could.

Now you just watch!

Good evening, Mr Blythe!

-Hey, Joe, hold this for me, will you?

-I'm ready to forgive you.

-Hello, Diana.

-Hello, Gilbert.

Say, where have you been?

I thought you'd never get here! Sit right up here.

I'll sit beside you.

Well, are we all here?

-DIANA:

-Come on, Anne!

-Morning, Miss Shirley! Have a good time on the hay ride?

-I would appreciate it exceedingly

-if you would stop annoying me!

-I only took her 'cause...

-I wouldn't have gone with you anyway,

-and I shall never speak to you again.

-Let's call it quits.

It is impolite to pass a person without at least nodding, so from now on I shall merely nod to you.

-Why don't you come off your high horse?

-If I tolerate you at all,

-it's because you're a character.

-I'm a what?

-A character.

-I don't understand you.

-Well, if you must know, Mr Phillips is a character, Matthew's a character,

and you're a character.

I think you read too much!

Please let me go! I'll be late!

-Will you let me walk home with you after school?

-I should say not!

-One of these days, you'll be glad to have me for a beau!

-I have a beau!

Oh, and he's a character, too?

No, I LIKE him.

Then why wasn't he on the hay ride?

He's too grown-up for such things!

-MR PHILLIPS:

-"The results of the annual essay contest

"among the junior students of the Prince of Wales College were announced yesterday.

"First honours were given to Herbert Root."

I was just reading from a newspaper article about a former pupil who, incidentally, was never tardy!

This former pupil of mine, Herbert Root,

has just won the Junior Students' Prize in an essay contest.

I'll read further. "Young Root surprised the committee by the depth of his thesis.

"He took for his subject Tennyson's classic The Lady of Shalott.

"His thesis was awarded first prize by unanimous vote."

I'm proud that young Root was a product of this school.

I hope that one of you will be just as brilliant.

INDISTINCT CHATTER

I'll make Mr Phillips forget all about Herbert Root when I get to Charlottetown!

-Herbert Root is the smartest boy on Prince Edward Island!

-How do you know?

Herbert Root is the smartest boy on the island and you, Gilbert Blythe, are annoyingly inquisitive!

Anybody would think you know Herbie!

Wouldn't you be surprised to know we've corresponded for a long time?

As a matter of fact, Herbert Root was to have taken me on the hay ride only he couldn't get here in time.

HE RINGS A BELL

My dear pupils,

last week I discussed with you a young man of whom I'm very proud - Herbert Root!

We are all very happy to have you here today. Would you say a few words to the class?

Of course.

My success in the main, Mr Phillips, was due to your teaching.

I held before me constantly the text of your lectures,

to wit that no definite rules are necessary for fine writing.

I chose The Lady of Shalott because it presented an interesting problem in unrequited love.

I don't question that the Lady of Shalott loved Lancelot,

but there was a question in my mind as to whether he even knew,

hence I placed particular emphasis on that portion of the poem

from the time she lay down in death on the boat

to Lancelot's memorable line, "She has a lovely face" et cetera. That's how I won the contest.

Thank you, Herbert.

Now, my pupils, I will declare a short recess, that you may meet Herbert and ask him any questions.

Aren't you going to speak to him?

-Or are you just going to correspond with him?

-Go on, Anne!

-I should like to have a copy of your essay.

-Certainly, Mr Phillips.

Hello!

Hello.

How do you do?

Is something wrong, Anne?

I've come to the conclusion that a good imagination is a bad thing,

and there's no romance in the world.

Now...

..you mustn't think that way.

There IS such a thing as romance.

If it ever comes near me, I'll let it pass right by.

I'll give it up!

No, don't ever give it all up, Anne.

A little of it is a good thing...

not too much, of course...

but keep a little of it.

Just a little.

"Down she came and found a boat, Beneath a willow left afloat

"And round about the prow she wrote The Lady of Shalott.

"And at the closing of the day

"She loosed the chain, and down she lay;

"The broad stream bore her far away,

"The Lady of Shalott.

"And ere she reach'd upon the tide The first house by the water-side,

"Singing in her song...

"..she died,

"The Lady of Shalott."

Hang on, Anne!

Don't be afraid now.

-Don't let go!

-I won't.

Give me your other hand. See if you can get your foot over the limb.

-Oh, it's you!

-Yes, and I bet you're glad I'm here, too!

I'm overwhelmingly grateful to you, Mr Gilbert Blythe, and I thank you very kindly.

-I saved your life, too! I'm a hero!

-A real hero would guard such a secret to his dying moment,

-and he'd never breathe a word of it, not to anybody!

-I wouldn't tell.

-You know I wouldn't.

-You swear on your word of honour?

-Cross my heart!

-This must remain our very own secret.

No, I've reconsidered. We can never have a secret, because you hurt my feelings excruciatingly.

You made fun of my hair!

That's because I just couldn't keep my eyes off it.

It was kinda nice looking at it,

only when I tried to tell you about it, I guess I didn't say it right.

-Why, Gilbert Blythe, you really mean that?

-Mm-hm.

-Then I shall relent.

After all, you DID save my life.

You are entitled to a reward.

And I shall kiss you!

You don't claim your reward?

Yes, I do. Anne, I...

I want you to be my girl!

You know I've always liked you. That's why I teased you.

-Then why did you take Alice Wainwright on the hay ride?

-Why can't you forget a thing

that happened over a year ago?

Why should I? You hurt me terribly!

Well, you were going to wrap me around your little finger.

-Did Diana tell you that?

-Nope. Honest.

-Then how do you know?

I've never told you this before, but I can see things ahead,

long before they've happened. I'm a mind-reader!

You're an eavesdropper!

Can I see you tonight?

Why ask me? You're the mind-reader!

-Hello, Anne!

-I thought I'd never get away!

-Gee, you're brave meeting me here. What if Marilla found out?

-I wouldn't know what to do.

I've got something for you. Close your eyes, hold out your hands.

A locket! I've always wanted one!

Oh, Gilbert!

I bought it at Jim Lawson's, and it's guaranteed not to turn green.

It's beautiful. But how can I ever...?

You can wear it out when you're not around Marilla and Matthew. Tuck it in when you're home.

Happy birthday!

Thank you, Anne!

-Gee, they're swell! If it weren't so cold, I'd put 'em on right now!

-I finished them last night.

RUSTLING What was that?

Nothing.

I think I'd better run back.

Goodbye...sweetheart.

-That's the first time you've called me that.

-Do you mind?

I've wanted you to for three years.

Kissing! Anne Shirley kissing!

Anne Shirley kissing that Blythe boy!

Mrs Barry saw it with her own two eyes! She rushed to tell me.

Why don't you say something, Matthew?

-That's interesting.

-Interesting?! You should be ashamed of yourself, taking it so casual like!

-They're just youngsters.

-I wager they've been meeting for heaven knows how long,

and you've known it all along.

No, Marilla, I've never been down near that tree.

How do you know it was by a tree?

A person can imagine things.

Stop acting so innocent!

Well, after all, you know a body can only be young once.

Stop protecting her! After all we've done for her,

to take up with Gilbert Blythe, the one person whose father...

-Anne Shirley, when we took you in, I never would have dreamed that...

-Marilla!

-Quiet, Matthew!

-You know what we think of Gilbert Blythe!

-Please, Marilla!

Wait, Marilla, I don't see any use in trying to make matters worse!

Anne...

I don't want to hurt you

by referring to your indebtedness to us,

but I want you to promise me you'll never see Gilbert Blythe again!

-Please!

-I'll not leave this room until I hear you say

you'll not see him again!

This tree is the dividing line

between the Blythe and Cuthbert properties and I never thought I'd be compelled to cross it.

I've come to talk to you about Anne. It's high time somebody did.

Don't think I've had my eyes shut and my ears closed all along,

-and don't think I'll let that girl go on sacrificing herself!

-Miss Cuthbert, I...

-Anne's not a child.

She has ambitions to make something of herself. She'll go to Normal School when she's ready.

She can't let anything stand in her way!

-Why, I wouldn't stand in her way for anything in the world!

-No friend of hers would.

No friend of hers would even try to see her any more.

As far as Anne is concerned, all this carrying-on was a mistake.

It's got to stop right now!

Tell him he doesn't understand!

Tell him I'll see him the first minute I can steal away!

It wouldn't be any use. He was all packed up when he wrote the note.

I asked him where he was going but he wouldn't tell me.

There. That ought to hold her for the trip.

There's no call for you to be looking like a lost calf.

-You're just fixing to make it harder for everyone!

-I'm not!

-I've seen lots of people go away on trains in my lifetime.

-What makes your nose so red and twitchy then?

A frostbitten nose has a right to look red and to twitch, too.

I don't like people who get emotional over nothing!

-Anne! Hurry up. Do you expect that train to wait for you?

-I'm coming!

What gave you the idea that her schooling was going to pinch us?

I never said any such thing!

Then don't even think it!

A fine thing that would be for Anne to get wind of!

Don't come with me. Eddie Grant is driving me to the station.

I couldn't bear to say goodbye to you in front of all those people. I might cry!

Getting emotional over nothing!

Nothing?!

Why, you've been angels to me!

You're both such darlings and you'll never...

I've just got to kiss you!

Falderal! Kissing!

Might as well kiss him, too, I suppose!

I can't help thinking...

..I wish she'd always stayed a little girl.

Nobody can deny she's real tall and stylish.

Nobody. Nobody at all.

She's smart, too.

And pretty.

And loving.

You know, Matthew, I get afraid when I think of it.

She'll be away so long.

It'll get terrible lonesome.

That was a lucky mistake of Mrs Spencer's when she didn't bring us a boy.

-Who wanted a boy?

-Nobody.

-I certainly didn't.

-Nor I!

It wasn't luck that brought her here, it was providence.

We needed her.

Even with all her odd ways?

I...loved her for them.

Who said they were odd ways?

Nobody.

I certainly didn't!

Diana! Oh, how glad I am to see you!

Well, turn around and let me look at you!

You've grown so!

And you've become prettier!

And you're a married woman!

Tell me, are you very happy and very much in love?

-Very much.

-How wonderful that must be - to think of him all the time and know that he's thinking of you!

And nobody can interfere.

That must be happiness!

Oh, Anne, some day, you and Gilbert will...

He's back. Did you know he was studying medicine?

Yes, I knew. At least, I thought he would.

Do you never hear from him? When Gilbert graduates, Dr Tatum will make him his assistant.

Please. Let's not talk of Gilbert.

I'm still your bosom friend.

But I...

-Did you see Matthew and Marilla before you left?

-Yes. I only stayed a few minutes.

-Matthew is pretty sick to be bothered with visitors.

-He's sick?

Oh, Anne, I'm sorry!

-I thought you knew!

-I should have known when he didn't write. That's why it was always Marilla.

-I must go home.

-But your final examinations are in two weeks.

-I'd never forgive myself if anything happened.

-But you've worked so hard.

-Now you're going to throw it all away.

-They need me.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Why, Anne!

-Marilla!

-Anne, why did you come back?

-How's Matthew? May I see him?

Not now, dear, Dr Tatum's with him.

I'm sorry you found out. Matthew didn't want you to know. He said it might upset your school work.

-Well, Anne Shirley! And how are you?

-Fine, thanks, Dr Tatum. May I see Matthew?

Better not disturb him. He's just dozed off to sleep.

The excitement of seeing you here might sort of set him back.

Marilla, would you mind fixing me a pot of tea?

Dr Tatum, tell me.

I want to know.

-It's serious, Anne.

-Isn't there anything we can do?

-Well, your folks are in a pretty bad way.

-You mean financially?

It would mean bringing in another doctor, the best man in Canada.

He's in Nova Scotia. That would cost an awful lot of money.

-Well, we have to get the money somehow!

-They've sold about everything they could.

Why, even the house is mortgaged.

Yes, they've deprived themselves of everything

just to keep me in school.

What's the name of that doctor in Nova Scotia?

Terry. Frederick W Terry. Gilbert Blythe has been studying under him.

I wish they'd have had such men when I went to school.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in!

-A young lady to see you, Mr Gilbert.

-Have her come in.

Anne!

Hello, Gilbert.

I hope you don't mind my coming to see you.

I had to!

-It's wonderful to see you again, Anne. I missed you terribly.

-We mustn't talk about that.

-I promised Marilla that...

-We've grown up since then.

There's nothing we can do, Gilbert, and I owe them so much - now more than ever.

-Since Matthew's illness, they're almost destitute.

-It'll be all right, Anne.

Darling.

Did you come to see me about Dr Terry?

-Yes, how did you know?

-Dr Tatum told me he was needed.

-Then...?

RUMBLING WHEELS

That's Dr Terry. I sent for him yesterday.

Gilbert!

-Hello, Doctor.

-Hello, Gilbert.

-Is he all right? May I see him now?

All right. I wouldn't get him too excited, however.

Matthew!

A very interesting case.

Quite similar to one I had in Toronto.

A fine young man, that Gilbert Blythe.

He might have been my boy...once.

Marilla, where are you going?

To get Gilbert Blythe and bring him right back here!