Based on the best-selling book by Lucy Maud Montgomery , this WonderWorks special is filmed on beautiful Prince Edward Island, Canada. Megan Follows stars as Anne Shirley, a young, spirited orphan girl who joins the Cuthbert family and becomes the pride of both the Cuthberts and the community. Also stars Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth . Emmy Award 1986 - Outstanding Children's Program Peabody Award 1986 - Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting in the United States ( Kevin Sullivan )