Diary of Anne Frank (1959)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  180 Minutes (FMC Library Print: 171 Minutes)

Rated: Approved   

Genre: Biography, Drama, Family

Director: George Stevens

Starring: Millie Perkins, Joseph Schidkraut, Shelly Winters, Richard Beymer, Gusti Huber, Ed Wynn, Lou Jacobi, Diane Baker, Douglas Spencer

IMDB Rank: 7.4/10

Part 1 Time:  108 Minutes (FMC Library Print: 104 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:   72 Minutes (FMC Library Print: 67 Minutes)

Where does the first part end?  The two families (the Franks and Van Daans) celebrate Hanukkah following a very close encounter with Nazi soldiers.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Hanukkah song that we sing.” sings Anne Frank with family.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Saturday 1st January 1944, another new year” narrates Anne Frank reading from her latest journal entry.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, both Jewish families continue to hide in Kraler’s attic. The Franks and Van Daans are consistently in danger of being found by the Nazi’s. Following a very close call is it only a matter of time before they are caught or could Holland be liberated by the Allies?

Which part is better? The film is told through the various journal entries written by Anne Frank, a thirteen year old German Jewish girl living in an attic with her sister,her parents, an old dentist, and three members of another family. From 1942-1944 Anne shares her feelings, fears, and relationships. Part two is given an edge over part one as the relationship between Anne and Peter begins to flourish.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Shelly Winters), Best Cinematography Black-and-White, Best Art Direction Black-and-White, Best Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated-Ed Wynn), Best Director (Nominated), Best Costume Design Black-and-White (Nominated), Best Music-Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Nominated).