A diary discovered in the attic of an Amsterdam factory reveals the plight of a jewish refugee family that lived there in hiding for two years during the Nazi occupation.
George Stevens (Giant) directed this 1959 film adaptation of the hit play based on the writings of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl from Amsterdam who hid in an attic with her family and others during the Nazi occupation. As Anne, Millie Perkins is something of a milky eyed enigma and--in retrospect--too old for the part; but she is surrounded by an outstanding cast, including Joseph Schildkraut as Anne's patient father, Ed Wynn as a cranky dentist who moves into Anne's "room," and Shelley Winters as the loud Mrs. Van Daan. Stevens turns the many overlapping dramas of the caged characters into the foundation of Anne's growth as a young woman, ready for life and love just at the moment the dream comes to an end. Beautifully shot by cinematographer William C. Mellor, and written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett from their stage production. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Remarkable:
This is one of those films that all humanity should see, it is remarkable, penetrating and soul wrenching. I not only recommend the film, but the historical presentation within, as it will stir the soul of the viewer to tears. The acting, writing, dialogue, and production of the film will impact any viewer, as it was all marvelously choreographed. This is also a very serious film, with intent to stir, and that with truthful and sincere intent, a viewer should be prepared for that kind of context. The film... more info
Original "Anne Frank" film versus subsequent remake:
The original black & white version better depicts the then prevailing
mood and atmospheer in The Netherlands of that time. The sounds and
visions of what was happening on the outside adds to a better under-
standing of the constant fear of detection experienced by these
persecuted human beings hidden in that Amsterdam attic.
The somber and menacing atmospheer of those days is better portrayed
in black and white for the same reason Steven Spielberg decided to
do... more info
SAD BUT TRUE?:
The wife loves this movie: However I find it depressing and unbelivable. How could Annes family get caught in Nazi Holland when most of the neighboors were runing for their lives to America? The DVD is a Top quality transfer from 35mm film.
Anne Frank:
The Diary of Anne Frank is a powerful example of what happens when evil people are allowed to go unchecked. It is a must see for all students.
