IMDb >
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Diary of Anne Frank (1959) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 17 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
26 August 1959 (Denmark) morePlot:
Harrowing story of a young Jewish girl who, with her family and their friends is forced into hiding in an attic in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Won 3 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 11 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(8 articles)
DVD Playhouse--July 2009 (From The Hollywood Interview. 8 July 2009, 1:32 AM, PDT)
DVD: Review: The Diary Of Anne Frank: 50th Anniversary Edition
(From The AV Club. 30 June 2009, 10:01 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
Stevens' Big Gamble moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| Millie Perkins | ... | Anne Frank | |
| Joseph Schildkraut | ... | Otto Frank | |
| Shelley Winters | ... | Mrs. Petronella Van Daan | |
| Richard Beymer | ... | Peter Van Daan | |
| Gusti Huber | ... | Mrs. Edith Frank | |
| Lou Jacobi | ... | Mr. Hans Van Daan | |
| Diane Baker | ... | Margot Frank | |
| Douglas Spencer | ... | Kraler | |
| Dodie Heath | ... | Miep (as Dody Heath) | |
| Ed Wynn | ... | Mr. Albert Dussell |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
180 min | Argentina:158 min | USA:171 min (FMC Library Print) | West Germany:152 minCountry:
USAColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreSound Mix:
4-Track Stereo (magnetic prints) (Westrex Recording System) | Mono (optical prints) (Westrex Recording System)Certification:
Netherlands:AL | USA:Approved (certificate #19008) | Canada:PG (video rating) | New Zealand:G | Argentina:13 | Australia:G | Chile:14 | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:15 | Taiwan:GP | UK:U | West Germany:12 (bw)Filming Locations:
20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA moreFun Stuff
Goofs:
Continuity: When the thief comes the first time, Margot has a cough. She coughs into a handkerchief. In the next shot of her, her father tosses her a handkerchief because she is coughing into her hand. moreQuotes:
Anne Frank: We're not the only people that have had to suffer, there have always been people that've had to. moreMovie Connections:
Referenced in Hidden Hollywood: Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Film Vaults (1997) (TV) moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Bittere Ernte | Anne Frank: The Whole Story | Europa Europa | Au revoir les enfants | Anne Frank's Diary |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Biography section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |












Just as Otto Preminger gambled in the casting of unknown Jean Seaberg in the title role of "St. Joan," so George Stevens similarly took a big risk with Millie Perkins in "The Diary of Anne Frank."
As the story goes, Stevens saw model Millie on a magazine cover, fell in love with her expressive eyes, and theorized that this unknown would be more effective than an established star to portray Anne.
Though Perkins had no acting experience, Stevens--at the peak of his career--was confident that he could teach Millie to act, at least for this film.
Although Audrey Hepburn was very interested in the part (as was Stevens in her) Stevens finally decided that it would be more effective to use a fresh actor--one with whom the public would have no pre-conceptions. (Other successful cases to support his theory being Hurd Hatfield as Dorian Gray and Robert Alda as George Gershwin.) Still, it was a huge gamble, since Anne was the pivotal role in this major production.
Well, the results are now history. For many moviegoers Perkins was just fine. While some critics easily spotted her reedy inexperience and rather sympathized with her being thrust into a super-professional arena, they conceded that Millie did do a commendable job.
Unfortunately, Perkins took a lashing from most critics, and her subsequent acting career has been relegated to minor roles in "B" films. Those are the "breaks," though in the fickle film world.
Yet, with all this, many people still think of Perkins' countenance when they envision of Anne Frank. So she and Stevens made a lasting impression.
Likewise, for many, this production remains the definitive version of a profoundly touching World War II real-life chronicle.