I've always loved the character of Gilbert Blythe in the Anne books- he's intelligent, self-sacrificing, faithful... and has a sense of humour. So often when books are made into movies, the characters on film don't live up to the ones you've pictured in your head. But Crombie was an excellent Gilbert in Anne of Green Gables and in the Sequel. We won't talk about The Continuing Story- that was a travesty, but not his fault (I'm looking at you, Kevin Sullivan). It was also delightful to see him make an appearance in an episode of Road To Avonlea: the one in which we had to say good-bye to another beloved character- Marilla Cuthbert, played by the late Colleen Dewhurst.
Last Saturday morning, I checked facebook and was surprised to find my page inundated with pictures of Jonathan Crombie, a.k.a. Gilbert Blythe in the Anne of Green Gables miniseries. Sadly, he had suffered a brain hemorrhage and passed away on April 15th at the age of 48. I've always loved the character of Gilbert Blythe in the Anne books- he's intelligent, self-sacrificing, faithful... and has a sense of humour. So often when books are made into movies, the characters on film don't live up to the ones you've pictured in your head. But Crombie was an excellent Gilbert in Anne of Green Gables and in the Sequel. We won't talk about The Continuing Story- that was a travesty, but not his fault (I'm looking at you, Kevin Sullivan). It was also delightful to see him make an appearance in an episode of Road To Avonlea: the one in which we had to say good-bye to another beloved character- Marilla Cuthbert, played by the late Colleen Dewhurst. Of course, Jonathan Crombie's career didn't begin or end with the Green Gables miniseries. He did quite a bit of television work, as well as theater. But Gilbert Blythe will always be the role he is best known and loved for, and rightly so. The two miniseries are excellent, and he is excellent in them. I've always appreciated the fact that these films fit into that rarest of TV categories: family entertainment. They can be watched and enjoyed by all age groups, and are a great option for a family movie night. They were a frequent choice in our house growing up, and now a favorite for many of my nieces and nephews. Jonathan Crombie may be gone, but he has left behind an enduring character in a beloved set of films which will continue to give enjoyment for many a year to come.
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About MeI'm a lover of good books, classic movies, and well-written shows (as well as some pretty cheesy ones, to be completely honest). Categories
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