The film depicts the story of a preteen orphan girl, Anne Shirley, adopted in the small-town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, whose optimistic mindset defies standard ladylike conduct and drives her to overcome any obstacle life throws at her.

While the novel was written by L. M. Montgomery, writers Don Harron, Norman and Elaine Campbell, and Mavor Moore extended the musical interpretation of the story in this film.

The 90-minute film was produced and distributed by the CBC Folio (1955-1960), airing original drama series and adaptations, including Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon.

It was an early version of Campbell and Harron's Anne of Green Gables the Musical which would premiere in 1965 at Charlottetown's Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Set in the small-town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada, elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert agree to adopt an orphan boy to help tackle chores around their family farm.

A teacher recognizes Anne's talents and intelligence quickly and encourages her to join a school club (designed for exceptional students) to prepare for an entrance exam at the prestigious university, Queen's Academy.

Gilbert overhears the news and decides to withdraw from his teaching career at Avonlea school so that Anne can take his position and be closer to her family.

On June 20, 1908, Lucy Maud Montgomery brought her first copy of the Anne of Green Gables novel through the island postmarked for Boston.