The Diary of Anne Frank

This has just become available on ChaiFlicks. The performances are outstanding -- with the well-known greats Max Von Sydow, Donald Pleasance, Lili Palmer, and Theodore Bikel. This is a stage performance -- the original Broadway production. It is well designed and does not feel as cramped as what was probably the real physical circumstances. The picture quality is less than what I hoped, which is not surprising for a 1967 TV program. However, the audio is clear ... so I did not miss not having the closed captions that I generally need. The video also contains some commercials -- which fortunately are not too long.

I remember first reading Anne Frank's diary 25 years ago when I was in my freshman year of high school. I also remember watching this version of the film adaptation back then. The story of Anne and her family who tried to hide from the German Nazis during the Holocaust is very intriguing and shows all the struggles Anne tried to get through. I also hope to watch the 1959 version. I also recommend the documentary, Remembering Anne Frank, which I've also seen. Anne's diary has been translated in many languages all over the world and should be read by anyone who wants to experience a real life person who tried to live through WWII.

I audio-taped this version when it was first broadcast. Coming back to it recently, I reaffirmed my opinion that this is, indeed, the best representation of the play -- much better, I think, than the Stevens movie. The cast is stellar, and Ms. Davila brings a quirky and believable quality to Anne that Millie Perkins doesn't begin to touch. Max von Sydow is interesting and colorful in his characterization of Otto, bringing a sympathy and stoicism that is very satisfying. Lili Palmer, Vivica Lindfors and Theodore Bikel are superb actors of the stage, and it is evident in this production. Years ago I contacted ABC (the original producer of the play) to find information on the composer and availability of the excellent musical score for the piece: Unfortunately, they informed me that all pre-production materials had been lost or destroyed. I have a feeling that the original 2-inch video tape was lost, too. -- So little hope of ever seeing it again.

The actor who played Peter was played by Peter Beiger of Columbia, Missouri. Peter was a teacher of acting and also acted at Stephens College, a girl's school in Columbia, Missouri. He had the reels of the show. I know this because he showed it to us once. It was very good and I believe in a lot of ways better than the movie version. When I saw it I remembered that I had seen it on tv years before. I would love to see it again and can't believe they would have lost everything that had anything to do with it. I hope that someone who is looking for this footage can contact him about making this available to the public.

Made for TV for ABC, this version of The Diary of Anne Frank was aired in November of 1967. It is the best depiction of the famous diary that I have ever seen. Diana Davila portrays a youthful exuberance that is totally missing from the well-known Millie Perkins version of the story. Davila and the actors portraying Margot & Peter are all believable as teenagers under pressure. Donald Pleasance is masterful as the irritable Mr. Dusseli. Max Von Sydow beautifully portrays the complicated leader and loving father, Otto Frank. I have spent hours online trying to find a seller for this movie. If anyone knows of anywhere that this can be purchased on DVD or VHS, PLEASE let readers know.