In 1940, a sequel to the 1934 film Anne of Green Gables by
RKO
Pictures.
This sequel, was titled Anne of Windy Poplars and had actress Anne Shirley
returning to her role of Anne.
The
film
is
black
and
white
and
86 minutes long. Directed by Jack Hively, the film starred James
Ellison,
Patric Knowles and Henry Travers alongside Anne Shirley. The script was written
by Jerome Cady and Michael Kanin. In the United Kingdom, the film was distributed
under the title Anne
Of Windy Willows.
Recent News:
"Anne of Windy Poplars" (1940) screening took place on Saturday,
February 10, 2007, 3:45 p.m. at the MOMA, New York City, which recently acquired
the film.
Plot description from film reels:
Anne Shirley, having recently wed to sweetheart Gilbert Blythe, takes a teaching
job in a prestigious school, far from her home on Prince Edward Island. While
readily accepted by her host family, the rest of the town, headed by the clannish
Pringle family, refuses to accept her, on the orders of the head of the Pringle
tribe, wealthy matriarch Hester Pringle, who's resentful that her daughter
Catherine was not given the job. Anne finds few friends, due to the typical
small town gossip, save for the independent spirited Rebecca and Matey who
take her in. Anne sets out to teach the town a lesson, and in the process,
Hester Pringle's evil ways end up destroying her.
Plot description from the New
York Times:
This sequel to 1934's Anne of Green Gables stars Anne Shirley as Anne Shirley,
the plucky Canadian orphan girl created by novelist Lucy Maude [sic] Montgomery.
Now all grown up, Anne takes on the job of vice-principal of the only school
in Windy
Poplars Unfortunately, she must contend with the opposition of the community's
most powerful and contentious family, the much-hated Pringles. Helping matters
a bit is the fact that handsome Tony Pringle (James Ellison) falls in love
with Anne. It takes a near-tragedy to wash away all misunderstandings, prejudices
and hypocricies and restore happiness and stability to the community. Based
on
L. M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Windy Willows, Anne of Windy Poplars was
remade for Canadian television in 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Plot description from IMDB:
Anne Shirley, having recently wed her childhood sweetheart Gilbert Blythe,
takes a teaching position in a prestigious school far from her home on Prince
Edward Island. While she is quickly accepted by her host family, the rest
of the town, headed by the clannish Pringle family, refuses to accept her,
on the orders of the head of the Pringle tribe, Ernestine Pringle.
Review from Radio
Times:
Six years after the charming film version of author LM Montgomery's popular
Anne of Green Gables came this routine sequel, with the now grown-up Anne
teaching in one of those small towns where everyone (except kindly old folks)
is hypocritical or corrupt, or both. Anne Shirley is once again played by… Anne
Shirley, the former Dawn O'Day, who cannily changed her name to that of her
character. Lovers of older Hollywood character actors will have a field day
here: there's Henry Travers — Clarence the angel in It's a Wonderful
Life — pawky Slim Summerville and suave Patric Knowles, all helping
to make this B-movie worth watching
Credits from IMDB:
Director - Jack Hively
Writing credits:
Jerome Cady (as Jerry Cady)
Michael Kanin
Lucy Maud Montgomery (story, as L.M. Montgomery)
Cast:
Anne Shirley - Anne Shirley
James Ellison - Tony Pringle
Henry Travers - Matey
Patric Knowles - Gilbert Blythe
Elizabeth Patterson - Rebecca
Louise Campbell - Katherine Pringle
Joan Carroll - Betty Grayson
Katherine Alexander - Ernestine Pringle
Minnie Dupree - Kate
Alma Kruger - Mrs. Stephen Pringle
Marcia Mae Jones - Jen Pringle
Ethel Griffies - Hester Pringle
Clara Blandick - Mrs. Morton Pringle
Gilbert Emery - Stephen Pringle
Wright Kramer - Morton Pringle
Jackie Moran - Boy
Availability:
I have not been able to find Anne of Windy Poplars for sale. The IMDB
distributor listing indicates that the film was released on DVD by Teakwood
Video (2004) (USA) (DVD), however, I have not been able to locate a copy on
sale. Information regarding the availability
of the film would be appreciated.
Useful External Link (will open in new windows):
The full cast list for the film is available online at the
Internet Movie Database.
Created 06.24.05, Last Updated 11.21.08
© An L.M. Montgomery Resource Page and TickledOrange.com
