Emily of New Moon TV Series

Avonlea Traditions Chronicle
Autumn 1997 ~ Issue No. 21

Emily of New Moon, the new television series co-produced by Canada's CINAR Films and Salter Street Films brings to life LMM's inspiring story of a classic Canadian heroine.

Set in turn-of-the-century Prince Edward Island, young Emily Byrd Starr's independent spirit shines brightly. Emily dreams of becoming a great writer and her curiosity and zest for life take her on many adventures.

Twenty-six episodes have been filmed on P.E.I., with 12-year-old P.E.I. native Martha Mclsaac starring as Emily.

In the first episode, Emily's relatives draw lots to decide who will take the girl in after her father's death. Stern Aunt Elizabeth becomes Emily's guardian, but decides she will not allow Emily's cat Pandora to come as well. Emily is heartbroken at this turn of events.

Luckily, Elizabeth's kindhearted sister Laura soothes Emily and the girl warms to her, as well as to Cousin Jimmy, who lives with the two maiden aunts.

The series sparkles as Emily manages to make new friends and stumble onto adventures. As in the books, Emily has visions which startle her, but she soon comes to realize they can be a gift when put to good use.

Emily and her new friend Ilse Burnley find themselves in the midst of exciting adventures as they interact with characters such as Lofty John, a lonely old recluse, and Maida Flynn, a rough young girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Well-known actress-comedienne Phyliss Diller guest stars in the episode The Ghost of Wyther Grange as Emily's eccentric Great Aunt Nancy Priest.

Good-hearted Emily tries to help those less fortunate, much to the consternation of gruff Aunt Elizabeth. However, Emily is strong-willed and manages to carve a niche for herself in her new home.

Emily of New Moon premieres January 1998 on CBC-TV. Negotiations are still underway to find a distributor in the United States, as well as overseas. Full details should become available early in 1998.

Return to: My Unofficial Emily of New Moon page