Original subtitles

Anne!

Anne!

Anne Shirley!

Anne, you have been out here since lunch.

You never remember to tell me where you're going.

You missed our entire history class,

the fall of Rome.

One of the privileges of having a mother as the schoolteacher.

What a relief to be rescued!

The book is a perfect tragedy.

It would be a tragedy indeed, if we miss our train.

Your father's home from the logging camp, remember?

We've got to go. We've got to go. We've got to go.

My, but that book gives me a thrill!

It's the story of the daughter of a belted earl,

stolen away in infancy by a cruel nurse

who died before she could confess.

There's nothing lovelier than to have a mother to gather me up.

Come on, Anne. Come on.

Mother!

Mother? Mother!

Where are you?

- Hi! - Hi!

I figured you were out here writing.

There's a read-through with the cast this afternoon...

and they had some notes that they wanted to share with you before we got started.

I'm a novelist-- I'm not used to notes from all these people.

Could you go and just fill me in?

We'll just tell the cast that you're gonna hold off on it for now.

I mean, it's not a disaster.

Obviously, you have a different concept.

It's not stageworthy, Anne.

Not yet, anyway.

My concern is that...

I don't think it�s gonna be ready to be performed this summer.

I can put in another play, and, um...

- they'll just keep working on it. - Mm-hmm.

Ah! Um...

This came for you.

The boys are all off celebrating.

This is a huge victory.

You'll hear from him. Don't worry.

- I'll see you later. - Thanks.

Right on time.

- Here! - You are stage left...

That's it. Okay.

Okay, come down stage.

I know I sound like a typical mother,

but you know what your brother can be like.

Frankly, I'm terrified, Frannie.

Dominic said he'd be on the first boat back from England.

I know, I know, I'm sorry, but... I'm sorry to bother you right now.

Is the baby better?

Oh, don't be silly.

You come all the way here when Timmy has the mumps.

I just needed someone to talk to.

Why wouldn't Dominic be in touch with me?

Oh, I hear the baby crying.

You better go.

All right. Give him a big kiss for me.

I love you. Okay, bye-bye.

It is all right to cry.

I never expected this life with Gil.

Send Dominic home.

Get him back to me.

Maybe he's all right and just doesn't want to get in touch with me.

You can't let go of the people who raised you.

Though never knowing who your real parents are...

can always haunt you

- Well done! - Bravo!

Well done. All right, everybody, time to packing it in...

before I decide to recast.

Thanks for coming out.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight, Anne.

Sorry about all the changes in the play.

10:00 tomorrow morning. Learn your lines.

- I'm gonna sleep tonight. - Yeah, me, too. We have an early morning.

Goodnight, everyone.

Oh!

Any word on Dominic yet?

Come on, Anne.

He'll be back. Dominic's a big boy.

So, are you going to start the rewrite and make me a big-time producer, or what?

Oh, the great American impresario is about as far away from Broadway as he can get.

You know, I don't get it.

What are you doing here?

You call me, you say you have a great idea for a play,

that want to challenge yourself.

What'd you come here for?

- What did you come here for? - I came here to sell Green Gables.

Doing a play with you was just an excuse to get here.

Don't waste my time.

Just go away. Just leave me alone.

I've always needed to write.

I've made up stories about myself all my life.

Used to pretend my parents were a perfect couple living in harmony.

I did it so often and for so along...

it's hard to know what the truth is anymore.

I wouldn't recognize my father if I saw him.

Bertha, I promised you I was gonna quit the logging camp.

You can build your own home instead of living on boardinghouse.

Walter Shirley!

you are an intoxicated braggart!

You're going to kill both of us with this crazy nag!

This horse can do the mail run

from Grand Falls to St. John in 12 hours.

There's a pretty penny to be made if I can get the contract.

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Whoa!

Your mother was my best friend.

She'd like you to have this.

She'd want me to look after you.

Since Dr. and Mrs. Thomas where so close to Bertha...

Walter Shirly and I have asked Dr. Thomas

to give a few words of eulogy

for this dear woman.

Walter Shirly was not at fault.

He loved his wife.

Uh... our schoolteacher and friend Bertha...

has been...

stolen from our community...

in an accident of Biblical proportions.

But the white majesty of death now falls upon this beloved woman

and sets her apart to be crowned...

and to live forever in God's heavenly kingdom.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Be strong, child.

Thank you.

If Mom has been crowned a queen, then what am I?

A child of God, sweetheart.

Wouldn't it be better to tell people from now on

that I was the daughter of a queen...

than to endure the notoriety of such a tragedy?

It's better to speak the truth.

Your mother may have had noble dreams,

but she died of pneumonia with dignity.

Bless her soul.

No thanks to your father.

I hope my husband can find him and bring back.

Well, don't be so hard on yourself, Walt.

If the Almighty thinks better, it'd be twelve of us, right?

Hey, what's that saying?

"To err is... is human...

- "and to forgive is divine." Right? Yes. - No, no, no, Doc!

I killed her.

Whoa, whoa, hey, hey, stop it, stop it, stop--!

Walter! Whoa! Whoa, whoa!

Drunken fools!

Help, help! Somebody help me.

Hey!

Walt! I'm coming. I'm coming!

Walt! Hey!

No, you're not listening, Louisa.

He went back to the river.

He wanted to drown his sorrows, literally.

- And you pushed him. - I rescued him.

You know what? I'll say it was a noble performance

for the entire town to see, but he's taken off.

We may never see the likes of Walter again.

Do you have any idea how mortifying it is

to be at the funeral of a dear friend

while the town's esteemed doctor

is off on a bender?

The whole town knows what the disgusting pair of you have been up to.

This is only a drop.

Hey, Walter desperately

needed my support to absolve himself

in front of the town. That's all it was.

Temperance will be preached in this house.

- Hey! - Walter needs a good kick in the pants...

- Nuh-uh. Hey! - ...and so do you.

- Louisa. - You can have water. Yes, you can have water.

Don't! No, don't!

- All right, you're being-- - Sleep outside!

Hey, come on now, stop it!

Hey! You're mom's making a mess here!

You're the one making a mess. Please do not wake up the--

Do not wake up the children!

Katie...

I'm convinced I must have been a disappointment

to my father if he's not coming back.

Mother said he was a free spirit.

I made up my mind, I could be a free spirit myself.

I'm resolved that the Thomases will be my new family...

that my life does not have to be

a graveyard of buried hopes.

The only thing I recall about my father...

was how my mother was drawn to him...

like a moth to a flame.

Gene.

I don't want you to feel any pressure about producing my play.

Good.

I'm feeling pressure to make money this summer.

What would you say about me going to Green Gables to write?

It's a great idea.

That'd do us both a world of good.

Come on, Elsie, I promised Anne we'd be ready by 10:00.

You know what a pistol she is.

You can't clear out 30 years of living in an old place like this

in a couple of days.

Look how young Mom and Dad looked when we first moved here.

I'm furious at them for letting the place get so rundown...

when Anne was so generous for letting us live here

for years when we had nowhere else.

Well, don't preach to Mom. She thinks the place is an albatross

But why Anne's own kids haven't taken an interest in it is just plain weird.

Too far to come.

And it's just easier for our family to fix everything.

Elsie? John? It's Anne!

Auntie Anne come up.

What mischief are you up to in Marilla's room?

Well, it's terrific to see you.

Oh, your mother's finally written, has she?

I was wondering if she lost every letter I'd written her in those two months.

Oh, I know. She's been awful at responding to everybody.

She's taken up golf.

Um, we were just finishing packing, or so we thought,

and we found all these letters in the closet,

in the floor.

These are old love letters between Marilla and John Blythe.

They quarreled, you know, and she... she...

was always sorry she didn't forgive him when she had the chance.

This is-- What a, what a great, well-kept secret.

Who's Walter Sirley?

How did Marilla know your family

if your parents died when you were born?

My dearest...

Shall I t--

My dearest daughter...

please, accept this note,

as confirmation that I have come into

much better circumstances in my life...

and so, I feel it is my duty to try to locate you.

I have finally had the good luck to marry that wonderful woman.

I have prosperous hardware business in Fredericton now.

It is my sincere hope that you can forgive me

for the expanse of time

that has lapsed between us, and come back to me.

I realize you are likely in much better circumstances

than we could ever provide.

And so, I've entrusted our mutual acquaintance...

Miss Nelly Parkhurst to make contact with you again

and to determine if my approach is acceptable to you and your guardians.

For so many years, your mother wanted me to quit the logging camp

and build a home for us.

Maybe now I can fulfill my promise.

If you cannot forgive me for the harm

that has come to you as a result of my neglect,

I will respect your wishes.

Any response will be welcome.

Your loving father, Walter.

Marilla must have felt she needed to protect me.

Or she was frightened I'd leave.

Protect you from what?

Oh, with Marilla, that would have been an instinct.

So, you weren't an orphan?

As a child, I made up...

stories about my parents.

No one knew a thing about me, so, it was...

it was easy.

I'd given up...

hope of ever finding my father.

- Here, let me help. - Okay.

What luck finding Marilla's letters!

What luck!

Do you mind if we tell Mom?

She always said, with your imagination,

you were destined to be a great writer.

Yeah, I'd longed to write once,

but now I just do it to work out everything else.

You never can tell why certain people do decide to write.

Obviously, it's very personal.

Yes, well,certain people, like me, are born to travel,

while others, like your mother,

are blessed with a desire to play golf.

Thank you, Anne...

from our entire family.

Mother says she'll call when she knows the place is sold.

Truth be, she...

she hasn't written because she didn't want to discuss it.

We, uh...

We had so many wonderful years growing up here.

Why did you ever give it to us?

Oh, well, Gil's medical practice wasn't in this area

and your parents were down on their luck.

Yeah.

Don't sell it, Anne.

Oh, well, I've complicated feelings

- about this place. - Oh, I know.

Mother says, you get to a point in your life

when you can't just bury the past.

Well, certain people have a hard time

drawing a line between the past and the present.

Oh, we'll talk soon, okay? - Yeah, okay.

I don't know how I survived the time before I was adopted by the Cuthberts.

It was horrible after my mother died.

The Thomases gave up on me and...

I lost hope of ever seeing my father again.

The, uh, cash from selling your mother's things was...

given to the town.

I'll pay your board for a time.

We're leaving.

Sadly, my husband has lost his license to practice medicine.

Can't you keep me 'til my father comes?

You need to know that your father is gone for good.

I heard someone say he drowned in his own sorrow.

He isn't really dead, is he?

In some respects, he is.

Things haven't worked out well for either of us, Anne.

No need for theatrics, Louisa. You've done your duty.

God help you keep that sorry husband of yours sober in the next town.

Your life is cursed, girl...

Thank your stars the county found the room.

The child would be much better placed in an orphanage or a foster home.

No family will take her in...

after that sorry business with her father.

You have to take her.

The Doc Thomases are leaving town,

it's the county's responsibility.

We'll do what we can.

We don't normally take children.

We're all so full up. Humph.

A little beggar like you should thank the Lord

that we've taking pity on you at all.

Stop it!

I need water!

Some of them here need to be kept in check at all times.

You'll sleep here with these three.

To sleep in such cramped quarters is more than my imagination can be abide by.

We don't harbor to royalty here, miss.

I understood a room had been paid for on my behalf.

You either put up or shut up.

At least these girls don't have fleas.

Put this uniform on

at sunrise when you get up.

Move over, girls.

You won't need whatever's in there.

You'll get your chores assigned first thing.

By the way, I heard all about Walter Shirley.

The price of atonement for the sins of the father.

You understand that, girl?

Could you move over, please?

I really didn't understand.

I'd never experienced hypocrisy before.

It was incomprehensible to me how a loving God could abandon me.

I didn't want to give in.

I had decided that God had just forgotten about everyone in that place.

And in my heart,

I was afraid something awful was going to happen.

Come on, let's go!

Don't drop fertilizer in one spot, spread it around!

- What did you bring in your suitcase? - What are you doing?

No, stop!

Oh, that's pretty.

Silence!

God, in his wisdom, has chosen to make you paupers,

not animals!

But dependent upon the charity of others, nonetheless.

- Stop it! - No!

- Give me! - And God in His wisdom has chosen us

to help you find spirituality with you lot in life.

Harmony and peace must be maintained here at any cost.

Those are my only possessions! No!

Come here, you.

You see this young brat?

Her father is a criminal...

accused of doing in his own wife.

Keep away from her.

Beware of her manner of speech, which she uses to deceive.

God knows what illicit writings such school books contain!

- No! - They are condemned!

- No! - In the fire!

Innocent as a dove, cunning as a serpent.

Only stiff punishment can save her.

God has put a child in our midst

to test our skill

at recognizing the difference between good and evil.

We will punish her!

No one gets away with this kind of behavior here.

You will remain standing until daybreak.

God punishes the disobedient with eternal damnation.

I tried to imagine someone finding me...

someone who'd rescue me...

and care for me.

I gather no one is supposed to speak to you.

But the temptation was too irresistible.

You want some water?

You've been here an eternity, haven't you?

I was standing in the dark,

trying to imagine I was a bride in "Misty Veil"...

waiting an eternity for her betrothed, who's left her at the altar.

This is a far worse place than anything even I could ever imagine.

So, it was a task to pretend.

A white dress would be my ideal of earthly bliss.

Do you've any earthly ideals?

I did... once.

Once upon a time...

I'm sorry for rambling on so.

Nobody talks to me here.

Do go on.

Well, when I saw how tyrannical the matron was to you

my very first day,

aye, you instinctively must be the product of a lifelong sorrow.

I don't dare talk about that.

The walls have ears.

Why was she so cruel to you, then?

She's afraid.

Because I have a higher purpose.

I know the secret to free everyone in this place.

But, you see,

I'm not leaving until I finish my life's vocation.

And-And it's-- There's so much and I need help.

All very well to read about sorrows,

imagine yourself living through them heroically,

when you really come to have them.

I have the key to freedom.

Then why do you allow yourself to remain imprisoned?

I'm editing the, uh, the history of-of-of every word

in the English language for posterity.

I'm so sorry.

I don't mean to be impolite, sir, but...

I'm afraid the dictionary has already been invented.

Did you not know that?

I have never heard such a... a...

word before.

Dic- tionary...

Do spell it!

You don't have a single soul in the world, do you?

I had a wife and a daughter once.

They still console me...

here.

As life marches on...

you don't know how difficult it is

to draw a line between the past and the present.

You are ancient,

but... I am at the beginning of my life.

We are imprisoned here forever.

Once this work is done,

I'm gonna let everyone go.

Please, there's so much work to be done.

Memories and notations--

they all need to be copied.

Only at night, when no one can see.

I will help you.

What's your name?

Gabriel.

B- Blake.

Gabriel.

Gabriel was a heavenly messenger, wasn't he?

Here.

Everything will be much better. I finally have help to do it.

With your help, if we do ever get it done...

We're keeping busy, there's so little time and so much to do...

The County should be pleased with the God-fearing ideals of our tenants here.

Purged of pride and eager for employment,

each one earns his keep.

What devilment are you up to?

Where did you get this?

Surely you don't think you're above the rules?!

Get in there.

This child is very disobedient.

Gabriel Blake has been filling her head full of foolishness.

As members of the board, I'm pleased to be able to demonstrate to you

our exacting methods of inmate discipline.

This sad little demon has fallen prey

to the defiant tactics of our resident lunatic.

Her flaming red hair is the real cause of her devilish behavior.

Scissors, please, matron.

No, you can't sir! No! No! No!

Take it, matron, and burn it.

Let the county know that Bollingbrook Asylum

bears witness to Christian principles alone.

You will stand again until daybreak.

- I'd like to speak to you outside. - Don't you dare!

Do you hear him?

No one acknowledge this guttersnipe!

Seeing as you crave freedom,

you'll be left constrained outside, Mr. Blake!

- You know the routine orderlies. - Get your hands off me!

Get me that cup!

Come on, Gabriel... taking you in.

Your little scrap...

just worsening your trial here by inciting calamity.

I'm devastated. It's all my fault.

You are entirely naughty.

Never mind.

There is a darkness here which needs to be rectified.

Your innocence may assist me...

if I have my way.

I can see we have no choice, Doctor.

We must condemn the building...

annex the institution to the neighbouring county,

and expel the overseers, but I indeed...

want this child to speak to our entire board at the right opportunity.

Gabriel, are you awake?

I heard the superintendent. She wants to help.

She wants the-- the doctor to send me away?

I'll go-- I'll go fetch your books and notes.

The secret...

The key?

...under the boards, in the bag.

It's yours.

Go. Now.

Freedom...

whenever you need it.

I won't go 'til they bring you back.

Hold my hand.

So splendid to have a friend.

You're a true kindred spirit.

What's that?

A kindred spirit is someone you can rely on...

right to the innermost part of your soul.

I feel so tired.

Gabriel?

Angels have watched over me all my life...

rescuing me.

The board of the Bollingbrooke County poorhouse

listened to me.

It was a feeling I'd never experienced before.

It made me begin to feel like I had a voice.

The County Board has found

a special foster home for you in Perth, girl.

Consider it an honor that they've gone to such trouble.

You'll leave tomorrow.

No honor having you be the one to tell me so, matron.

Who would have thought a child so cunning

would've brought about the downfall of everything we built?

I'm glad I hurt you!

You hurt me more than my own father!

You and your husband haven't a spark of kindness in you!

I'll never forget what you did to Gabriel.

You had no right!

The Perth County Poorhouse is supposed to have a brand-new building.

- You'll fare better there. - You're so kind.

We'll come back for the next group within the hour.

- Where's that redheaded kid? - She's on the next load.

I'm coming, I'm coming!

Mrs. Thomas, it's me, Anne!

Mrs. Thomas! Mrs. Thomas!

Good Lord, Anne Shirley, what, in heaven's name, are you doing here?

Violetta! Mrs. Thomas! Fate has brought us together.

Jock, Keith, wait!

You look entirely like--

entirely like thieves running away in the night.

That is putting it mildly.

I don't know what you're doing. I cannot possibly take on another runaway

when we are running away, ourselves.

You will help me, I beg of you, Mrs Thomas.

I know how to be resourceful.

I've even thought of changing my name

so no one would ever recognize me again.

I'd love to be called something elegant,

like Cordelia.

That's a horrible name!

What about Geraldine Fitzgerald?

Who cares what you're called? You can't stay with us, and that's final.

You and my mother were best of friends.

That practically makes us kin.

Didn't you hear our mother?

We're in too much trouble as it is...

- no thanks to you. - Stop it, Jock.

There's a poetic irony that we are all together as fugitives.

Is that the trouble you mean, Mrs. Thomas?

Yes, well, you see, Anne...

things went from bad to worse.

After your father vanished,

so did all the funds from the parish roof box.

And the town accused my husband.

But he insisted it was your father.

Your father is trash, Anne.

And so, we've been living...

under house arrest in the halfway hotel...

awaiting an inquest...

because my husband was killed by a train.

Do you... you think he was...?

Oh, I...

I'm in the depths of despair.

Being a doctor's wife...

has been a life of bitter disappointment, Anne.

I can hardly swallow.

It will be too much for mother to...

be cross-examined and have to go back over it all for the inquest.

Our grandmother is very rich...

and she wants us to come and live with her.

Is there anything I can do to help?

Leave us alone!

When we get to St. John's, we'll get you to someplace safe.

Stand back.

Apparently, there's a familing home in Fredericton,

just outside of Marysville.

Yes that would be St. Agatha's Asylum, ma'am.

I'm sorry, Anne, but we'll have to drop you off there.

Thank you for your directions.

Hurry, boys.

Boys, hurry up! The train leaves in three minutes.

I've made up my mind to simply enjoy this train ride.

Train rides are so thrilling.

For pity's sake, Anne, it's only a train.

Here, could you take your own ticket? It's your responsibility.

We need to get some flowers for Grandmother.

You choose the color, Mother, I'll get change.

What lovely wild roses,

looking so happy to be roses.

Could I just have some change?

- Yes, dear. - We're gonna buy flowers for Grandmother.

I wish roses could talk.

Ah, they'd surely have hopeful thoughts.

All passengers!

Now boarding for Moncton, Miramichi,

- ...Bathurst... - There you go.

- Hurry up! Mother says we�re late! - All passengers for Marysville...

Hurry up, Anne!

I suppose Mother is already on the train.

I hope your grandmother likes pink.

Redheaded people can never wear pink.

Did you ever know anybody whose hair was red when they were young,

but changed color when they grew up?

No. Put your bag up.

- Could you help me, please, sir? - Yes.

- We're this way, Mother! - Last call.

- Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst. - There we go. How's that?

All aboard!

- There. - Thank you.

You're welcome.

All aboard!

Mrs. Thomas! Mrs. Thomas! Mrs. Thomas!

Anne what are you-- What are you doing?

You're going the wrong way!

Last call for passengers to Marysville and Fredercton.

All aboard!

Mrs. Thomas, you're on the wrong train!

No, Anne, you are on the wrong train.

Try to get the lead out!

Anne, hurry!

Anne! We don't have much time!

Anne!

Jump! That's right, Anne, jump!

Hurry, that's our train!

Hurry, hurry!

Wait a minute. Where's my purse?

I-I left it right here.

Hurry and get to our train!

Hurry!

The only train to Fredericton until tomorrow.

Grandmother will be waiting on the other end

and she will burst a blood vessel!

Good evening, ma'am.

Oh, I blame myself entirely, Mrs. Thomas.

Violetta was following me.

If I hadn't lost myself in the beauty of those colorful blossoms...

I had so little color in my life lately.

And salt has been added to injury

now that we're obliged to sleep in a common railway station.

I'm just cross at myself because I lost my purse

and all my money.

My mother-in-law will be entirely unimpressed.

Feel free to blame this entire mess on

a hapless orphan who wasn't given the brains God gave geese, Mrs. Thomas

You must call me Louisa.

You know, your mother was quite brilliant.

She used to help me with Sunday school.

She really knew how to foster intellect. She was a wonderful teacher

who knew so many lovely poems by heart.

The, um, "The Lady of the lake"...

"Seasons" by Thurston.

She cultivated me.

And if you are half as bright as she is,

then I know that you will make a wonderful teacher, too, one day, Anne.

You've given me hope, Mrs... Louisa.

I'd hate to part ways on bad terms,

especially since I was trying so hard

to imagine you'd keep me forever.

Um...

I have a confession to make, Anne.

I took some money from the sale of your mother's things.

I mean, not a lot, but...

I was short at the time and my husband wasn't very dependable.

And I was so cross with your father.

But I now see that you and I were destined to be great friends.

And I won't desert you, either.

I'll help you all morning if you can give us a ride.

Hey, if you really want a ride, you better tell me your name.

My name is Cordelia Shirley.

We walked all along from Bollingbrooke and missed our train.

You don't know a Walter Shirley from Bollingbrooke, do you?

Accused of doing his wife in, as I recall.

No, ma'am, I've never heard of such a man.

Got a contract for the mail route up to Grand Falls.

My father's name was Jedediah.

I know it's rather a woeful name, don't you think?

Odd name, to be sure.

What did Jedediah Shirley do?

My parents were both teachers at the Bollingbrooke primary school.

They each died of fever when I was only three months.

They were a pair of babies themselves.

I've had the good fortune to be rescued

from the asylum by friends.

We're all going to live in Marysville.

They're members of the affluent Thomas family.

Thomases, you say?

And you never met old Mrs. T?

No, but young Mrs. Thomas over there is as benevolent as she is loyal.

Get your bags.

Anyone knows the Thomas place if they know Marysville.

Oh, thank you.

Louisa, Violetta, boys, wake up!

The sun is shining on us this morning.

The chaos I've caused is over.

I cannot believe we had to stay over in that train station...

- thanks to you, Anne. - I'm sorry, I vexed you, Violetta.

It gives me great satisfaction to know

the inequity has been righted.

I feel just like a heroine in a novel.

You talk too much.

Don't be so certain Grandmother won't throw you out on your head.

Be nice to her, she's interesting.

It would be more to the point if she were useful.

Grandmother will toss us all out when she hears her nonsense.

Well, I won't worry about asylums for a little while longer.

I'm going to imagine this is all of part of a beautiful mirage,

and thank God for it two or three times a minute.

We're right proud of this place.

Marysville was named by old Mr. Thomas,

who built a mill on account of it's always been so merry.

Christopher Columbus!

I must be dreaming!

- You certainly are. - There's no need to be nasty, Violetta.

Whoa!

God's nightgown!

We wondered what in heaven's name had happened to you.

Now, Mrs. Thomas has gone all the way into St. John

- looking for you. - Hepzibah, no, please don't--

If she has a coronary on the way, you'll never hear the end of it.

Louisa Thomas! What is that?

Oh, it�s the most heartrending story.

Please, just keep my mother-in-law calm

until she has a chance to get used to the idea.

You don't meant to think I'd take in a street urchin like that?!

You don't march in here with some stray cur

thinking she'll be of use to me.

But she is such a bright little creature.

And her mother was a good friend of mine.

I promised the little thing she could stay with us.

I'm not about to break my promise.

She can do house chores.

She doesn't cross the threshold of the household.

I've been waiting to settle a score with that one for a while.

You have any trouble, ask for Nellie the Whip.

Thank you

I am grateful for all your help.

Get up! Git! Yeah!

Um, Hepzibah won't let you do any house chores,

but she's agreed you can help out in the stables, though.

Violetta will show you the barn out back.

Please tell her I�m very good at washing dishes,

but I'm resigned to fit into a household any way I can.

What a splendid property!

Hurry up, Anne!

I'm just so excited to imagine I can stay for a little while.

The stables are this way.

A brook!

Brooks are such cheerful things, aren't they?

Always laughing, even in winter under the ice.

Can't you ever quit being so phony?

Trashcan Anne, that's what I'm going to call you...

because you're garbage.

I wouldn't give myself such airs in the presence of a true aristocrat,

myself being the progeny of royal Irish blood.

The only royal blood you'll ever have

is with my fist at the end of your nose.

You're a con, just like your father.

Oh, you're so queenly.

The test of a true noble is having such a high instep,

a stream of water could run right underneath it.

I don't believe anybody has that, least of all, you.

My family are descendants of the warrior monarch

Queen Maeve...

who led the Celts into battle riding bareback...

by moonlight.

See?

Queen Maeve sounds more like a witch than a queen.

Besides, you couldn't ride by moonlight,

let alone mount a horse, could you?

You just watch. I have a way with equines.

Who do you think you are?

This is foolish!

You can't blame me if you get yourself killed!

I shall prove you a liar or perish!

Giddyap!

Anne!

Oh, Mother, she's out of control!

Hepzibah!

it's Anne!

Anne!

Whoa! Whoa, whoa!

- Hold on! - Charles, what the devil is going on?

Charles, Charles, don't you have any control?

Well, where are the grooms? Where is the stable boy?

Stop! Stop, stop! Who was that?

Whose horse is that?

Stop this carriage at once!

Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop, please!

I'm going to lose my lunch.

Oaf! Louisa!

If this is your manner of appreciation for my munificence,

you can pack your bags and go!

- Now, don't excite yourself. - Of course I'm going to excite myself.

How long can a day go on,

searching hither and yon for relatives

as giddy as cats out of a bag?

And then to come home to this mania in my front yard--

Horses tearing up my garden...

and you, driving my only son to drink

with as much upheaval, I'm sure.

Mother, I'm sorry, but, please--

And don't you think for one minute

that the gang of you can worm your way in here like I am a doormat...

to take advantage of a mother's broken heart.

Mrs. Thomas! Oh, Mrs. Thomas!

Please, don't think I'm lacking in sympathy.

Louisa is neither a worm, nor you a doormat.

What?

Are you rumpled in the head, child?

I may be rumpled in spirit, but not in the head, Mrs. Thomas.

Louisa and her children came here grieving

for a father and a husband.

The least you can do is offer some pity.

- They've nowhere to go, either. - Well, who are you?

Anne Shirley, ma'am.

I should know better than to speak out,

- but they're in just as much anguish as you. - All right, all right.

No need to get yourself in such a state on our account.

Oh, but there is need.

Imagine you were an orphan with nowhere to go

and you come to a place like this,

hoping an important person like yourself

might grant you a chance.

All right, listen. I know tomfoolery when I see it.

Stand up, for goodness� sake. Enough of this begging business.

And don't cast my prominence up at me, either.

It's been an extremely difficult day,

and I have a right to say what is on my mind.

Of course Louisa can stay.

Oh, thank you, Mrs. Thomas.

"Withhold not my heart from any joy."

Ecclesiastes chapter 2, verse 10.

Yes, I know. Stand up, dear.

And stop with the biblical authority.

Any child who can act like a pagan one minute

and quote the Old Testament the next,

well, it just turns my stomach.

This is such a dissolute age, Louisa, don't you think?

Hepzibah, come here.

Why are not my grandchildren settled in for goodness' sakes?

Don't ogle me like that!

I just can't bear that my housekeeper is so incompetent.

How do I tolerate you?

You're a walking disaster.

You're never prepared for anything.

I have to do everything myself.

You boys are good at getting her to laugh.

Go!

Anne, thank you.

I could have made it more flowery if I had time to think it through.

I wish she wasn't so inhospitable.

Well, she needs us as much as we need a place to stay.

I hope someone will always need me.

We've got to get you a bath

if we are ever gonna persuade Hepzibah

to give you a place indoors.

You're the disaster.

- Let me go! - I've just had enough of your

caterwauling and your shenanigans.

- I can do it myself! - You know what to do, ladies.

- Get her in there. - No!

No!

No!

- It's freezing! - You just behave yourself!

Louisa, you have some queer ideas.

Her poor mother was a gifted teacher,

and-- and so the child is incredibly bright.

I-I thought that maybe she could help the children with their studies

since they've missed so much school this year.

Louisa, you are so irresponsible.

I refuse to be taught by a stray.

I felt some responsibility to her mother.

Anne is well-read and has a heart of gold.

She's very odd, if you ask me.

I just-- I don't have it in me to send her to another asylum.

You have a head and a heart as soft as my son�s.

I think I'll check and see if a local family needs some help.

I can tutor the boys, Grandmother.

Your life is to be elevated above that of your parents.

A girl's education begins with the proper governess.

I have found one, she will be here right away.

She will provide a firm hand.

It will make all the difference in the world to you.

And now, if you don't mind,

I've had enough.

Goodnight.

My life will never be the same again.

Someone left a pitcher of lemonade for the hired help.

Want some?

Sure. Go get me some.

Please wait here.

Mrs. Thomas will see you now.

What are you doing in here?

I was just looking at those crows up there.

You come back in here again and those crows'll pick your eyes out.

Go on, get out of here!

All right, you can close your notebooks now.

Your grandmother wants to see all three of you for lunch,

so, you can break now while I mark your notebooks.

- That question was so hard. - I know.

That math quiz was so hard.

- What was the answer? - I don't understand...

There.

Go put this back in the key cupboard in the kitchen,

then come help with the pond well.

They are missing as sure as the day is long,

and I caught her loitering in the summer kitchen.

Anne, did you notice a set of keys lying anywhere?

Yes, I put away the stable keys in the cupboard, oh, an hour ago.

What business was it of yours? You don't meddle with my keys.

I did exactly as Mr. McAdams told me.

He said, "Put away the stable keys in the cupboard

"and come and help me at the pond.", which I did dutifully.

Only...

What, Anne? Only what?

Only she likely mixed up the stable keys with the missing keys

and can't remember where she put them.

Or worse than that, she stole them.

Didn't you just steal them, you little sneak?!

Hepzibah, stop it!

Anne, did you touch any other set of keys?

Believe me, it's as if I was being led to the block for it,

only I'm not certain what the block is.

I never touched any other keys.

Only the stable keys.

I will not allow that child to sleep in the house

until she finds the upstairs keys.

She can sleep in the barn until she rots...

or else returns the upstairs keys.

There's something else, Anne. What is it?

Nothing.

Ready to tell me what happened to the missing keys?

Yes.

That's preposterous, Mrs. Thomas.

I'm to be accused by a mischievous child

who's never had a proper upbringing?

Well, she's getting one now.

This goes beyond a mere scolding, ma'am.

Louisa...

the child is a liar.

I speak the truth,

because to be unjustly accused

is an assault on my good name.

My heart may be broken

by one consolation

is that one day you'll feel remorse for having crushed it!

I'm setting my hand to the plow, Louisa.

The child will go to that home in Fredericton.

You're a heartless woman.

I'm sure your own poor son was driven to drink

by you pushing him away.

No, she did that.

Hepzibah, pack the child's bags.

I did my best, dear,

but working in the lumber yard will be much better than a foundling home.

Goodbye, dear friend.

I don't believe God himself could do any better

in the face of such an obstinate person.

Hello?

Who is it?

You might, at least, have woken me up instead of breaking in.

A real estate agent from Avonlea was running around town telling people that...

she caught you talking to yourself in the yard.

Real estate agents have no diplomacy.

I thought that was a good sign...

that maybe you had made some major revisions.

You got something here.

You finish by next week...

and I'll have time to do a cast read-through.

What got you going again?

A letter...

from my father.

Made me take the play in a different direction.

Father? Always thought you were a stray.

You would never get what the place is worth anyway.

Forty years may have passed,

but your letter finally arrived into my hand a week ago.

I'm hoping that your return address is still valid.

I don't know if you've ever come across my work,

but I'm a well-published author and, recently, an aspiring playwright.

I still publish under my maiden name Anne Shirley,

even though I'm a widow.

- Hi. - I have two wonderful daughters

who are all grown up with families of their own,

and also an adopted son, who's still overseas.

It's never been easy...

for me to put into words my feelings about you.

My memory of you has been somewhat

rekindled in a play I'm currently working on.

I hope that we can arrange to finally meet...

and that this letter actually gets to you.

I suppose it's up to fate again.

Your loving Anne.

In time, the Thomases forgot about me completely.

My fear of being sent to an orphanage

was replaced by the hardship of trying to survive in a lumber mill.

with people who couldn't have cared less about me.

Katie...

I miss you.

I don't believe I'm long for this world.

Oh, I pray I'll see you at the next.

Mrs. Thomas was feared and disliked by all of her workers.

I suppose it was her stubbornness that frustrated people most.

Fortunately, I couldn't see

how closely our lives would be tied together.

Keep it open!

I can't fill my orders because they're working slow,

a lot of bickering amongst the men.

And an uproar has been brewing.

They're threatening to go on strike because of unsafe conditions.

Hurry, it's still on the tree. Come on, let's go.

You ready? Go!

- Who was it? - Hey!

- What happened? - Over here!

You folks think you can terrorize management?

Turn off the plume water!

Close the gate!

What's wrong?

A bunch of damned troublemakers trying to tamper with the chutes,

saying they're unsafe.

Then the two guilty ruffians are caught under it.

Quick, move!

Careful.

- Get up! - Help, I'm under here!

- Boo! Boo! - It's all your fault!

Hey, kid, come here! We need you to climb in here.

This guy's still moving. Come here.

Come on.

You're little, you can get in there.

There you go.

Get down. Go on, there.

Can you reach him?

- Hey, come on, bud. Move that. - Can you-- Can you lift up the beam?

Pull! Pull!

Give us his arm.

Good job, kid.

We need you over here. Yeah, get him in there. Okay.

My god, come on!

That's it! Hurry! Hurry!

Hey!

Come on! Get her on here!

That man you rescued...

that was Walter Shirley, girl.

I know.

You saw his arm was badly mangled,

but he's safe.

Our men got him away.

I'm taking you to the workers cottage

near the cider mill.

You'll be safe there.

No, no, no, no, I don't think so.

Shh! Quiet! What about the girl?

We can't afford to have her go to the police.

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

I don't understand.

I can't make out what you're saying.

You were fools, bringing in the union organizers to help you.

- What do you know? - What about the girl?

We don't know what she knows,

or who she's talked to. - Shush! That's enough now.

You want some breakfast?

What's your name?

Cordelia.

Don't be shy, have a seat.

You can stay and pick up apples.

We're here until September, and then we move on to Maine.

Penny a bushel, and there's lots of kids here to help, all right?

- Yes, ma'am. - Let's go.

Nellie Parkhurst says we're to look after that one.

Okay.

Good work, Anne. The last one's empty.

Anne!

Oh, Anne!

I wondered if we'd ever be able to find you after all these weeks, Anne.

This is my friend, Peter, from the smithy.

Peter knew all about you working here now.

Mother was so concerned when you disappeared.

- Oh, please come. We're desperate. - What's wrong, Violetta?

That stupid cat attacked Bridgewater.

She was up to something in the attic,

going through old papers.

She claimed she was working on a history of the county,

but no one believes her.

Grandmother fired her on the spot.

Then Hepzibah ordered me to put the vile thing outside

for a few minutes, just to calm everyone down.

But the stupid cat has been gone now for two days.

Mother's terrified we'll be thrown out forever

because we lost her contemptible cat.

That woman took the keys because she came for something.

Mother insisted to Grandmother that you weren't lying...

and that your suspicions about Bridgewater were true.

Grandmother says you can come back and speak your mind if you'd like.

Why would she believe anything I had to say?

Well, she will now that the governess was found upstairs in the attic.

This way. Come on.

No. I don't think so.

Violetta! Let's go back!

I know this is the wrong way, Violetta!

I feel as if there are faces watching us...

white things behind the trees.

It's all in your imagination, Anne.

Hepzibah always goes on and on about phantoms

that kidnap little children that no one cares about.

I'd be the first to qualify.

It's this way.

- I know this road. - No.

Nellie! Help us!

Get me out!

Get me out!

The trap's set so the police don't get too close.

My friends'll get the girl loose.

Come on in. This is our meeting place.

The gristmill's been abandoned for years.

No one even knows I live here.

The Thomases's imperial kitty.

This the feline what you're looking for?

Here.

Don't dally at the Thomases'.

Go back to the workers' cottage at the cider mill.

What's she doing here?

You'll be plenty safe there.

Go on, now. Go!

There's worse things in store for the Thomases than missing cats.

This correspondence was in the old lady's files.

Her husband knew full well he was lumbering on Crown land for decades,

without any deed or timber rights.

Somebody should put a stop to the whole operation.

Or have another company take over the business for us completely.

This town would be better off if she sold out.

Thank you, Mrs. Bridgewater.

The workers are tense and have been quelled by the police,

but a young man was killed and another, seriously injured, ma'am.

Why would anyone go to such lengths to ruin our business?

Marysville was built on the bricks and mortar

of my husband's goodwill.

But some people feel it's not a woman's place

to operate so many businesses.

That's what I pay you for, Jeremiah...

to be effective, too.

But the death of that boy would be difficult to reverse

in the workers' minds.

We are not going to unionize, Jeremiah.

Please.

Now, you return with more solutions than problems, hmm?

Anne, you're back!

Well, where did you find the cat?

We thought you'd been roasted on the spit by bandits, or something.

Who was that woman who picked you up?

- They didn't hurt you, did they? - I'm fine.

They are only vagrants who live in the forest.

Vagrants?

Well, I never expected to extend such a note of gratitude

to such a saucy girl.

They want you to stay.

Come, my darling. Yes, my precious.

I'm pleased to have returned your dear Blue Eyes to you.

But Violetta said you were taken hostage by armed robbers.

Not exactly. I did see something there.

I saw Bridgewater at a meeting place with an unruly gang.

- What were they doing? - I couldn't tell,

but they looked like they were discussing some papers.

Who took you there?

Nellie Parkhurst.

She found us, then she'd found the cat.

What a strange coincidence.

Well, if Bridgewater has taken anything,

we'll just simply have to tighten the reins in the future.

Did a horse run away or something?

Grandmother sacked Bridgewater for nosing around the attic.

And she's now admitted you were right, Anne.

She seems terribly rattled.

Bridgewater came here with a purpose,

because grandmother hired her based on a recommendation from a bank.

Don't be so dramatic, Violetta.

I'm sure nothing will come of this.

Why are you crying?

I'm just so elated...

to have your mother stick up for me so I can stay.

I take back those things I said about you, Anne.

Mother says even your father has turned out to be a prince.

She says he's written to her on occasion, asking about you.

Have you not heard from him?

Certainly.

And I pray all the time we'll be together again someday.

This is so dull.

Don't you have anything better than books

that are a hundred years old?

This poem is sheer romance.

It's ridiculous.

You got away with making everyone think

you're so much smarter then we are,

just because you have a knack for fifty-cent words.

I plan to teach one day,

and I regard you three as my personal experiment.

Settle down! This is outrageous!

Wait 'til I tell your grandmother!

If you want to fight about it, I have a better idea.

On you go, Jock.

What's your point, Anne.

A soldier dies and someone writes a poem about it.

The only way you'll ever understand romantic verse

is to live and breathe it.

"Bingen on the Rhine" is an illustrious poem

you need to learn to relish.

It's the type of masterpiece that gives you

a crinkly feeling up and down your back.

A soldier of the Legion lay dying in Algiers.

You look really good... dead, Jock.

I get all three of your desserts tonight

- for doing this. - Lie down!

You're supposed to be on your last breath.

Now, everyone, push him off.

"The dying soldier faltered,

"as he took his comrade's hand.

"'I shall never see my native soil.'"

Lie down, Jock!

"'Send me back to my native land.

"'Take a message to some distant friends of mine.'"

"'For I was born at Bingen,

"'Bingen on the Rhine.'"

- Help! Help! - That blessed raft is falling apart!

We have to do something!

- Help! Help! - Oh, snap out of it!

We'll get help at the mill.

Help! Help!

Help! Please!

My brother, he's on a raft! He can't swim!

His raft is sinking! It's sinking!

Help me, please!

- What'd they say? - Come on!

Help! Help!

Help! Help!

Help!

Courageous, son! I almost got ya!

Help!

Hang on! I'm almost there!

There. I got ya.

Hey, somebody give me a hand over here.

Well, my grandson owes you his life.

You saved the Thomases from extinction.

Well, I guess the name stays up over the door, Mrs. Thomas.

Yes. It'd take more than a mere accident

to remove our name.

Or a handful of disgruntled employees.

Good day, men.

Words cannot express our gratitude.

Forgive us.

Forgive me for causing such a disaster.

An angel must has been watching over all of us.

Thanks, mister.

Mrs. Thomas.

It'd be more prudent of you to listen to their concerns from time to time,

rather than just the sound of your own voice.

The day I heed your advice, Louisa,

is the day you'll not need mine.

Violetta, take the boys to them.

Now, take these.

Hasn't Grandmother become a splendid creature recently?

She's even allowed mother to study for a teaching degree by mail.

I feel this marks an epoch in my life, Violetta.

Four months ago I was wishing I'd never been born.

Now I wouldn't trade places with an angel.

The best part of all is coming here again.

I'm just so happy

your grandmother finally understands

that I'm a human being.

Hey, I'm just glad your grandmother finally understands I'm a human being.

I'm just so happy.

There's no darkness anymore...

only light.

Thank you, everyone. Take five.

It's all right.

Dialogue needs a little cutting.

Back to work.

Morning.

Hey, Mack!

Anything from New Brunswick?

Paris, France.

Please.

I'm begging you to come, Diana.

Well, I'm shaking, that's why.

I'm holding a letter from Dominic. He's coming home.

He's-- Because he's getting married.

Yes, both of my girls are coming.

I know.

Oh, please come, and-and bring everybody.

Well, I-I'm exhausted. And exhilarated.

Gene's previewing the play in New Jersey.

And if it's any success at all,

I-I'm going to use the royalties to renovate Green Gables.

Come on, everyone! Taxis are leaving, let's go!

Oh, honey, I have to go.

I love you, too. Bye-bye.

Fifteen minutes 'til the ferry leaves.

Let me help you with that.

Bravo, Anne!

- Come on. - No, no, no.

- Where? Where are we going? - Come on.

- No. No. No. - Curtain call is for you. Come on.

- No, I'm not going. No! - They're applauding for you.

Come on.

Bravo!

Bravo!

Bravo!

Dearest Father...

I received the note from your housekeeper,

saying that she'd given you my latest letter,

and that a reply from you would be forthcoming.

I am anxious to hear from you.

Your daughter, Anne.

Anne?

The box office in New Jersey

surpassed everybody's expectations.

Congratulations.

Well, what if we get a shot at Broadway?

- Broadway? Who needs Broadway? - Uh-huh.

Be happy we got at the New Jersey. No.

Well, my feet are firmly planted right here.

I wouldn't leave Summer Theatre if you paid me.

What is it?

I don't know.

Everything's in its right place, Dominic's getting married,

I finally managed to put something down

on paper that was worthwhile.

But I feel empty.

Why?

I've never heard from him again.

And I've written him several times now.

What happened with your father that you were so reluctant to talk about?

I don't know.

Aren't you supposed to check my spelling?

Of course I will.

Jock, you're supposed to write the words out three times each.

Sorry. It's more boring than algebra.

Boys, get to work. Here she comes.

Children!

Time for a break.

I'm so pleased with all the progress you've been making with your studies.

You're all to be commanded.

We could be even more model children

if we were allowed to dine outside everyday.

Hmm. And to think that I thought that Louisa was a nitwit

for arriving on my doorstep with a stray child.

I was wrong.

We're all very grateful for your hospitality, Mrs. Thomas.

- Excuse me, Mrs. Thomas? - Mm-hmm?

Sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with you.

You speak.

Violetta, go and help Hepzibah put the chicken salad on the plate,

so it doesn't spoil while we wait for Grandmother to come back.

Why do I always have to do this?

The boys never have to do anything.

Boys, help clear up the dishes.

Careful.

Come.

I'm safe and doing so much better.

Nelly Parkhurst is helping me

get organized to come back to Marysville.

I want you to do everything she asks.

It won't be long before I can come back for you, too.

Your loving father...

Walter.

How?

Well, last fall, in St. John...

I went to rate the teachers board exam...

and he was just out of the hospital

and he saw me on the street and called out to me.

And we've been corresponding ever since.

You vowed you'd have nothing more to do with him.

I misjudged him, Anne.

Your father is a good man, much reformed.

He's involved with this company...

New Hampshire Timber and Plank.

They're going to help Grandmother.

And he's going to help all the workers keep their jobs...

or get new ones if the mills are sold.

Does Mrs. Thomas know?

The banks are behind it. They want her to sell.

It sounds so insidious.

Grandmother's never cared much for anyone but herself.

She only values people who are of service to her or amuse her.

Your enthusiasm is a tonic, Anne.

You can influence her.

To do what?

To sell...

retire...

and leave Marysville.

The price drop put an end to shipping to States.

The cotton mill will simply drag down the other mills.

If-If you don't shut down the cotton mill immediately,

we can't pay the mortgage to the Abbey Bank on the other mills.

I'm just concerned about the bank. They're pushing you to sell out.

We have to help her make the right decision for everyone, including us,

if we are ever going to leave here.

You can convince her to retire.

Everyone, I have come to a very important decision.

Now, I have decided to host a picnic

next week for the town and some very important visitors.

A picnic!

Oh, this can't be real!

I'm so excited, I could faint.

I'd love to be able to really faint.

It's so romantic!

Uh, Violetta, will you wear that new dress with the apple sleeves to the picnic?

Mrs. Thomas, are you sure

the weather will be good for the picnic next week?

If anything ever happened, it would be a lifelong sorrow for everyone.

The whole town will be beside themselves if they're half as fluttered as me.

You know, someday I'd like to...

to retire!

But looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them.

Don't you think?

Will you have boats and ice cream?

Oh, ice cream is one of those treats that sounds sublime,

even though I've never truly had it.

Anne Shirley, what mental anguish has

consumed you? Now, you have prattled on for five minutes.

Would you hold your tongue for at least that equal amount of time?

We will be serving ice cream...

with ladyfingers.

Anne, you and Violetta will work with Hepzibah

and select the luncheon menu.

The boys will be in charge of the decorations.

There will be buntings and flags.

Louisa, I need you to look into the invitations.

I've had several callers from the Abbey bank.

I think you need to contact them.

This will be a celebration the town will never forget.

And it will certainly bolster assurance about Thomas mills.

I'm very sorry, sir. There you go.

It's terrible, what they're doing.

Get downstairs, child, and help with the party things.

I don't care for children who don't know how to work.

Yes, ma'am.

Just put it over there.

This is the last tea service to be polished.

Oh, I'm happy to go see what she'd like.

Uh, just a minute!

Take off that apron.

Come on, quickly, hurry up. She's waiting for you.

You don't see Mrs. Thomas with an apron on.

Now, put it over the chair.

All right. All right, quickly! Off you go!

Mmm, fetch me-- fetch me some whiskey, quickly. Over there.

Oh, I'm having such a... such a fright.

- I'll fetch a doctor. Louisa! Hepzibah! - No! No, no!

No doctor. No doctor. Now, listen now.

You tell no one about this.

Now...

I want you to swear...

that you will tell no one

about this, no one.

It's quite wicked to swear.

It's not wicked to swear

if you do it in aid of someone you care about.

Mrs. Thomas, I knew you liked me, but...

I never presumed you cared about me.

- Well... - Oh, I do swear.

I swear to never reveal this moment to a soul.

Thank you.

On pain of death, I remain your loyal confidante.

Good.

Now, you run and you finish with Hepzibah in the kitchen...

No, come back.

All right. I feel better now.

Go ahead.

It'll be so exciting to sit at the table and serve tea for all the important guests,

- don't you think so, Hepzibah? - Hmm.

You won't have such a high opinion of it

when you'll have served as many as I have...

or lived as long.

Violetta?

Off you go, your mother's calling you.

What would you like me to do next?

I've got it all organized for you, Anne.

Don't think you can fool yourself into thinking

you've got the missus all sewed up.

What do you mean?

You're no better than the child of a common swindler.

- How dare you? - How dare you

try your wheedling ways on Mrs. Thomas?

It'll crush her when she discovers the truth...

that your father is a union instigator...

known to the police.

And him in touch with you.

It'll get out.

Things always get out in Marysville.

You're just full of original sin.

You're not fit to call this house your home.

Come in.

She's a tartar, that Hepzibah.

Women born to scrub floors shouldn't take such mean advantage.

Got Mr. Jeremiah Land, the manager, to fire me at the mill,

'cause she wanted to wiggle her nephew into my delivery job.

I got the mail contract your dad bungled instead

with my swift team of horses.

She said I was full of original sin.

You've got a knack for trouble...

and it ain't easy being different, I'll give you that.

Look at me.

Lost my baby and my husband years ago.

Can't cry about it now.

Don't miss belonging to someone?

I belong to the community here.

The town's my family.

Except for Mrs. Thomas. She's a stubborn fool.

She isn't half the monster people think she is.

People stick by each other here.

It's a fine community.

A union could force her to sell to someone bigger and stronger before she goes past.

Controlling things in her way...

destroyed a lot of what was good here.

She'd like to see the town finally fail.

No, she wouldn't. She's in dire straits.

The bank is forcing--

I don't know much about banks.

Weather's turned.

This town is a good place to belong to.

You could settle down with your pa and live a long life here.

Despite all the money...

the Thomases never been very decent.

Thank you.

Please tell my father I'm in kind and caring hands, and...

not to worry about me.

Why did you run away like that?

I was worried.

I was afraid...

Of me?

I was frightened...

maybe you'd change your mind about me staying.

Why?

Well, I'm such an unlucky girl,

always getting myself into scrapes and getting my friends--

people who I'd shed my life's blood for--

into them, too.

You certainly said something that made Hepzibah very cross.

What was it?

I was wrong to run away, Mrs. Thomas.

You are a true kindred spirit.

- A what? - A kindred spirit,

someone you can rely on right to your innermost soul.

Go back to sleep.

It's unfortunate that economic circumstances have forced

the closure of our prized cotton mill.

Lumber and cider are resilient businesses with a bright future.

I wanted to take this afternoon to thank so many of you...

uh, who have been dedicated to the Thomas mills

and to helping me personally during

this time at filling my husband's shoes.

Thank you.

Hmm.

I'd be very pleased to meet each of you if you'll be kind enough

to join me for tea in the garden.

- Thank you for coming. - It's so nice to see you.

Excuse me, Mrs. Thomas.

The banks asked a guest.

Let's put our best foot forward.

Well, speak for yourself.

Mr. Land looks like he's being led to the gallows, Mrs. Thomas.

It's all in his head.

He's intimidated by bankers.

I don't see the use of meeting trouble halfway.

I'm not here to entertain bullies.

Mrs. Thomas, you know Mr.Granger.

Yes, Mr. Granger.

- Mrs. Thomas. Thank you. - Welcome.

This is Alan Laing of New Hampshire Timber and Plank.

- Oh, yes, Mr. Laing. - Thanks for having me.

I'm so pleased to see such an enthusiastic throng, Mrs. Thomas...

with all the rumblings.

Well, you can only believe half of what you do see...

and none of what you hear.

The Abbey Bank has a vested interest

in union talk, as I perceive it.

Well, the bank has to address financial burden head on, Mrs. Thomas.

We're concerned your mortgage payments have lapsed.

Is this the correct way to balance a cup?

I'm afraid I'm not well-versed in a rules of etiquette.

Anne!

Is there a quiet spot?

Louisa has told me how much help you've been at softening up Mrs. Thomas.

I can't speak for long.

But if this deal comes through,

many men can keep their jobs...

and the town will carry on.

I intend to do very well out of it.

I found this in the pocket of Anne's apron yesterday.

And there they are over there, look.

I can't believe the Thomases.

They can't make me take fight between you and Mrs. Thomas.

Whatever it takes, do it.

I will do it.

Hepzibah!

Thank you very much.

Come with me, Jeremiah.

Of all the cunning and manipulative tricks,

to use a child as a go-between

and have the audacity to do it on the front lawn of my own home?

- You're being too guarded. - Am I?

They certainly had the inside track

on all of our discussions, didn't they, Jeremiah?

What did you tell them?

Nothing...

except listen to an excellent offer for some timber rights

that could virtually solve all of our issues.

Jeremiah, you have worked with me for 15 years

and we've never had a crossed word, is that correct?

So, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt.

But you listen to me fully now.

As I stand here...

I will close all of my mills before I will sell

or even toss one morsel to those vultures, do you understand me?

I understand.

Well, good.

Gentlemen, have you tried the buffet yet?

Mr. Laing.

A drink, perhaps? You, Mr. Granger?

You just never have anything more to do with him.

All right, off you go.

Yes?

Hepzibah explained to me how those people wanted to use me.

Stars in their courses fight against me.

But if you must be cross with anyone...

be cross with me.

Don't fret, dear.

I'm sure everything will turn out all right in the end.

What if you're forced to give it all away to the bank?

No one's ever forced me to do anything-- it's not in my nature.

I'm used to having people cross at me,

but Hepzibah said such merciless things that night.

I ran away to Nellie's...

to talk to her about everything I'd found out.

You are so heedless and impulsive.

I was terrified you'd throw me out

if you found out about my father...

- You have to believe me, because I-- - You never stop to think.

Anything that-- that pops into your mind, you leap on it,

don't give it one minute's reflection.

I know, I'm culpable,

but imagine the horror of finding out

what my father's been involved in.

An iron entered my soul at that very moment.

Hepzibah made me feel like a worthless traitor.

I would never go against you.

Come.

Grownups can take advantage of a child's innocent heart...

even this father of yours.

You mustn't trust everyone all the time.

You have a new home here, now.

I know that Louisa wants you to stay with us.

Oh, say it again, say it again!

It's a ray of hope in the path of darkness.

And I want you to stay, too.

Amelia Thomas is reckless not to sell.

This company can build a community in a way she isn't capable of.

You fault her for her determination.

This opportunity will never happen again.

Please, Hepzibah,

just speak to her to at least prolong discussions with them.

I have just one retort for the lot of you.

Judas priests.

Anne, step outside with me for just a moment, dear.

Now, I need to know where the rabble-rousers that you saw meet.

Show me. Show me!

I expect you to vacate my home immediately.

I didn't expect to remain.

I only hoped that you'd seize this opportunity to put your stubborn pride

aside from what- - You are a pathetic judge of human nature.

I will survive.

I will get a job as a teacher and I will support my family.

And I'm taking Anne.

Aren't you packing, Anne?

Just gazing at the lawn.

I will be haunted by the fact of leaving here, for ever and ever.

- Anne! - Louisa!

Over here.

- Your pa is in a spot, Anne. - What's wrong?

He's in serious trouble with the company.

They've thrown him in jail for trying to double-cross the bank.

But he was to help us leave!

I can take you to St. John.

This is a very typical kind of demand, Mrs. Thomas.

The foreclosure is merely a bank tactic.

We can still try to close the deal with New Hampshire Timber.

But I need to see the deeds.

It isn't true what they imply about land rights?

We have been chopping down trees on Crown property

with no land rights for 20 years.

There is nothing to sell, Jeremiah.

Th-The company has nothing?

That's just not possible.

Hmm.

My husband was too clever for his own good.

Mrs. Thomas!

Mrs. Thomas!

Mrs. Thomas!

Mrs. Thomas, I'm not leaving. I give you my word.

All right, my dear. Come on, now.

You go back inside. Come on.

- I want to stay with you. - I know you do, and it's all right.

There's nothing more we can do.

You just have to pray.

- I don't know-- - And listen, no more tears.

No more tears. Promise me.

- Let me go with you. - Promise me no more tears.

- I promise, Mrs. Thomas. - Go on, sweetheart. Go on.

Go on. It's all right.

Louisa! Louisa, come quickly!

What's wrong?

Oh, my dear Lord.

She headed into town after supper.

Mrs. Thomas! Mrs. Thomas!

Some people said it was Mrs. Thomas who destroyed her own mills.

Others said it started as an accident...

when a fight broke out between the workers.

In any case, the bank moved in and took over the businesses.

Eventually...

they gave up on Marysville.

I couldn't understand what I'd done wrong.

But it was clear that

those people had no further use for me.

Louisa's loyalty to my mother...

evaporated.

Mrs. Thomas!

Mrs. Thomas, I want to stay!

Please let me stay!

Jock, hurry up!

Hurry, come on! Run, children, run!

Faster! Jock, hurry!

Come on, come on. Everyone has their bags?

The bank had taken everything...

and left her on the hook for all of the Thomas debt.

Thinking back...

I imagine Louisa spending the rest of her life running.

Despite what my father had said in letters he'd sent through Nelly,

I soon realized that neither one of them...

had any desire to keep me.

Open your hand.

Look at that long lifeline in that palm of yours.

I declare you'll become a great lady one day.

Your open heart will allow you to float equally among everyone.

I'm no good for you. You need a family.

You need to be brought up by hand proper.

The Hammonds are my friends.

They'll keep you 'til your pa lands on his feet.

You'd be wise not to tell amyone he's behind bars.

I have so little prospect of finding kindred spirits in my life.

Hey, Pete!

I got the girl that I was telling you about.

Well, don't look at me. You gotta take her inside.

Hey, how are you doing there?

I'm all right. What's this?

Whoa.

- This is the girl I told you about. - All right.

Take a look at her.

Well, she can help around the house.

Come here. Let's have a look at you.

She's a good worker.

All right, well, get in there and put your stuff in the house.

I was handy with children...

and Mrs. Hammond had eight of them.

- I want you to take this cat. - Oh, no, no, no, no.

Put it back. Just put that back.

Good God almighty, I got young'uns.

I can't be taking a cat like that.

It's okay. See you.

I'm sure Mrs. Thomas's cat...

found better prospects than I had.

All right, I'll let you know if she works out.

Katie...

it's been a while.

At least we still have each other.

If I hadn't lost myself in the beauty of Mrs. Thomas's world...

But I so love beautiful things.

I'm sure I couldn't live here if I hadn't any imagination.

Dear Father, I appreciate the letters from your housekeeper,

but I've yet to hear a reply from you.

If you've changed your mind about wanting to communicate with me,

at least let me know that.

Sincerely, your loving daughter, Anne.

I've just received your address from your father's next of kin.

He only just passed away in his 82nd year.

If you'd care to pay your respects, uh,

you may contact me at the above address.

Your father was a man who was a pioneer in our community,

which enjoyed the results of his strong entrepreneurial efforts.

You may or may not know he is predeceased by his wife Louisa.

He had a housekeeper looking in on him...

in the home he'd lived in for several decades.

He was a chipper, good-looking old fellow.

Sadly the-- the will was never updated, uh...

Of course, uh, your father adopted Louisa Thomas's three children,

uh, Violetta, Jock, and Keith.

Louisa and your father also had their own son.

Uh...

However, we've had no dealings with the man.

When we informed,

uh, the lawyer, Mr. Sproule, that we'd made contact with you,

we received instructions that, um, you be the person...

Uh, this way.

...requested to, uh, determine as to the disposal of the remains.

The next of kin have requested that they wish to, uh...

protect their privacy.

Hello.

Oh, I'm looking for 78 Old Fort Lane.

It's Walter Shirley's home, but I d-- I don't see any number here.

A-And-And who would you be?

I knew the family when I was young.

Oh!

Well, help yourself to any of that junk that you want.

I-I'm the new owner.

I used to look in on them, we were great chums.

Well, the wife died, oh, years ago.

He had a son.

Oh, I never laid eyes on him. I dealt with a lawyer.

Do you know how I can get in touch with this lawyer?

Sure, I-I-I got it right here with-- with the papers for the deed.

- There we go. - Oh, thank you so much.

Do you mind if I keep this little book?

Oh! Belongs to you.

Hello.

Um, I wonder if I could speak with Mr. Sproule.

I'm related to Mr. Shirley,

who owned the house just sold on Old Fort Lane.

I'm afraid that file is closed.

We are no longer retained to act on behalf of Mr. Shirley.

Well, someone must act for his estate.

May I speak with Mr. Sproul?

He's not here, he's in Boston on business

and he won't be back for several weeks.

Can you help me contact Mr. Shirley's son?

We don't do estate work.

Actually, the executor of the will has ordered the file closed.

I'm Walter Shirley's daughter.

I'm looking for my half brother, Walter's son.

Can you help me, please?

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

Could you please tell me what this sticker means?

Oh, that. Mm.

Uh, the will's been probated...

the funds have settled and the receipt is waiting to be filed.

Who are the beneficiaries?

Hm. I'm sorry, that's confidential, ma'am.

I need help.

Walter Shirley was my father and I'm looking for a brother

that I didn't even know I had.

I'm not supposed to do this.

Walter Shirley dependents: Violetta Phillips.

Uh, beneficiaries: uh, Violetta Phillips.

This would be the only beneficiary.

Doesn't look like there's any son.

Everything goes to Violetta Phillips, and no son.

Mm.

I appreciate your efforts.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are not at home, madam.

- Please, will you leave your card? - I'm a dear, old friend of Violetta's.

I just wanted to leave her a note for her brothers, there's...

uh, Jock and Keith, and--

Uh, what's the other one? Oh, dear.

Do you have a pen, please?

Who's there?

Hepzibah?

Dear Hepzibah.

I thought we'd never see each other again.

It�s Anne!

Anne Shirley.

We've never met.

As a child I came with Louisa.

We stayed with Mrs. Thomas.

Robert?

What's the problem, Miss Hepzibah?

You know exactly who I am.

I want to see Violetta.

My father's died and I need to know some things.

You can write to Mr. Phillips at his downtown office.

- That'd be best. - Come on!

Didn't care enough about him to even see to his burial.

You can tell Violetta I don't give a damn

about his estate or his money or anything!

- What business have you, ma'am? - I have a brother, that's my business.

I have a brother.

And I want Violetta Thomas to tell me where he is!

That's the very least she could do.

There is no person by the name of Thomas that lives here.

Or Shirley.

You must have had the wrong address.

Hello there.

Why did you leave a message at the hotel for me to come here?

I could have picked you up at the station.

I just wanted to be alone a little longer.

I never got the chance to know him.

You never needed Walter Shirley to be part of your life.

I never needed you to be part of my life, either.

Now look at you.

I wonder if trees sleep.

And if they do...

if they dream.

So...

how does it feel to be Anne of Green Gables...

rather than Anne of nowhere in particular?

All I can say is that...

when I first arrived...

I knew I was home.

Matthew and Marilla were everything to me.

Ready? Everybody say "cheese"!

- Cheese! - That's great! Got it!

Hey enough, you two.

- Behave yourselves. - Oh, let them burn off steam, Frannie.

All right, Mother.

Children should have high spirits, don't you think so, Tom?

Ah, well, any occasion for a brother, Frannie wants to be perfect.

- Aw. - She's always worried about Avonlea gossip.

They can make as much racket as they want here.

Enjoy!

They don't stay little very long.

- Oh, I'd love to have you. - Nice of you for coming.

- Nice to see you. - Same here.

They're still not here yet.

Well, while we're waiting, why don't you, uh,

introduce me to all your neighbors?

Sure.

Oh, Rilla, darling, can you make sure

you and James start serving the drinks now?

All right, Mom.

Who's that ancient pair over there that everyone's fussing over?

Oh, that's Hetty King...

and Rachel Lynde in the wheelchair.

They're over 90 if they're a day.

Rachel doesn't have any use for theater people.

So, you shouldn't have to endure that.

Isn't that Fred and Diana?

They look far too tan and sophisticated to be from Avonlea.

Well, that's very green-eyed of you.

- She's my best friend. - Mm-hmm.

And they've been hopelessly in love...

for the last 40 years.

You knew I'd get here.

I'm all right.

Really, Mom.

You're Brigitte.

I am pleased to make an acquaintance.

Aww.

Oh, I can't wait to hear all about you and how you two met,

and I want you to meet my friend Gene.

This is overwhelming.

Dominic, il faut que tu expliques maintenant.

D'accord.

That guy back there...

He got off at the whistle stop

and asked the stationmaster about directions to Green Gables.

He just sort of followed us here.

He claims he's your brother.

This is my brother... Andrew.

- I'm Gene. - Andrew. Hi.

- Pleased to meet you. - He's your uncle.

- Dominic. - Andrew.

And Brigitte.

Hey, everyone, this is my son's fianc�e Brigitte,

and Andrew, my brother.

This is Brigitte.

- Oh, hi, Brigitte. - Brigitte is going to become part of our family.

Me being an orphan, Mom always made it plain

about wanting to do for me what the Cuthberts had done for her.

But I had no idea.

Neither did she.

Her life is extraordinary.

- How do you do? - And the great thing about it...

is that she's completely unaware of it.

Like Anne.

- Andrew, you, hi. - Hello.

- I'm Elsie. - Elsie, hi, nice to meet you.

Come on, throw it back.

I got it!

Oh, hi, it's from me.

Your mother just told me how you were lost as a kid.

And when she found you, what a roller coaster it was.

I feel the same about finding her.

- I wish Dad could have been here. - He is, in spirit.

- Bye! - Bye!

- Bye! - Bye, Dom!

Bye!

Everything that's happened in my life...

the good and the bad...

is more than I could have ever made up.

I do long to write...

and I'll write about all of it.

My life has been unexpected.

Exceptional, really.

Eventually, the more love a person gives...

the easier it is to find.

It's the only part that matters.

Nothing else.

And it's so much nicer to be Anne of Green Gables...

than to be Anne of nowhere in particular.