Anne of Windy Poplars (1940)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Jack Hively

Writers:

Michael Kanin (screen play), Jerome Cady (screen play),

Stars:

Anne Shirley, James Ellison, Henry Travers

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anne Shirley	...	Anne Shirley
James Ellison	...	Tony Pringle
Henry Travers	...	Matey
Patric Knowles	...	Gilbert Blythe
Slim Summerville	...	Jabez Monkman
Elizabeth Patterson	...	Rebecca
Louise Campbell	...	Catherine Pringle
Joan Carroll	...	Betty Grayson
Katharine 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

Storyline

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, Hester Pringle.

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Plot Keywords:

anne shirley | rescued from a fire | house fire | saving a life | play | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 June 1940 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Casa dos Ventos

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Betty is talking to Aunt Ernestine on the staircase, her hands are by her side in the long shots whereas in the closer shot her right hand rests on the banister.

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Connections

Follows Anne of Green Gables (1934)

User Reviews

Enjoyed it more than the first

Not great for those spoiled by the Sullivan versions but not bad either. Like Sullivan's, this completely bypasses "Anne of the Island" and bases the movie on "Anne of Windy Poplars/Willows". Neither movie version was faithful to that book.

Anne takes a teaching job in a town controlled by the powerful Pringle clan. Of course, she changes their bitter attitudes and finds some kindred spirits. There are some interesting male and female characters and the actress who plays Anne Shirley is adequate but not charismatic. However, her character/acting is more likable than first time round in "Anne of Green Gables" (1934).

As expected, there isn't much of Gilbert. I believe he's played by a different actor. This Gilbert is handsomer but duller.

I found this more watchable, and better quality, than its predecessor but won't be buying this one (I caught it on TV).