Canadian television film based on the 1908 book by Lucy Maud Montgomery. 13-year-old orphan Anne Shirley is living in servitude with the cruel Hammond family in Nova Scotia. When Mr. Hammond dies, his wife sends Anne back to the orphanage. After six months, she receives the news that she has been adopted by a family in Prince Edward Island. Upon arriving in the small town of Avonlea, Anne is met at the train station by the elderly Matthew Cuthbert, who is surprised to find her there. Matthew and his sister Marilla had requested a boy to help them on their farm, Green Gables, but Anne was sent due to a miscommunication.

Although Matthew takes a liking to Anne, Marilla refuses to keep her, saying a girl is of no use to them. However, she has a change of heart when she finds out Anne would be sent to live with the unpleasant Mrs. Blewett. Marilla decides to put Anne "on trial" before making up her mind. Anne is delighted but soon finds herself in trouble with Marilla's friend and the local gossip Rachel Lynde, who criticizes her looks and red hair. Anne loses her temper at Rachel and refuses to apologize, preferring to go back to the orphanage, but Matthew convinces her to do so. Rachel accepts Anne's apology and suggests to Marilla that Anne attend a Sunday School picnic so she can make friends.