Finally got to see one of my favorite BBC series of the 70s, Anne of Avonlea, with Kim Braden! I did find it to be not quite as I remembered it, but, it was still a good watch. For most of the movie, it had the feeling of being filmed in a studio. There were some outdoor scenes just to add some atmosphere, but overall the staging effect didn't take away from the series. Some of the actors were a little rough around the edges (i.e. Anne's fiancé and the young "American" kid with the horrible British accent). Kim Braden and her best buddy, Jan Francis were great together! Both were really fun to watch. I think Kim Braden added a believable level of naiveness to her role. I remember falling in love with her back in 1978, when I saw it as a rerun on BBC. I now can see why. The series was maybe not as well produced (spell that well funded) as the Megan Follows version, but it held its own if you watch it for what it is; an overall well directed and well acted little period piece. I'm glad they finally came out with the DVD on this BBC classic. I can't understand why Kim Braden and Jan Francis never became brighter international stars. They did go on to do several projects after that but nothing really memorable. Time well spent. Thanks Kim.
Review of Anne of Avonlea
