Customer Reviews

Tales from Avonlea:Gift of Friendship [VHS]

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Having watched this highly-acclaimed show since it's inception in 1990 as a ten-year old boy, I've realized how lucky I truly am to see such fine programming filled with such intriguing plots, unforgettable characters, famous guest stars (Christopher Lloyd won an Emmy for his role in 1992), and touching--but not sappy--moments. My particular favorite episode was when Aunt Hetty went out to "bring in the lost sheep"--and came up with Gus Pike and a HORRENDOUS backache! Unfortunately this series is no longer shown on Disney, but I've recorded almost 40 episodes when they reran some of the episodes in 1996. I promise you this video is worth the money.

When our family stumbled upon Tales of Avonlea during it's original Disney airing(1992-96)--we felt like we had struck gold! We purchased 3 of the 4 videos in the prepared set, to add to our family video library, but couldn't find Volume 2--Gift of Friendship--until now, on Amazon Marketplace. Thank you!
The beauty of early 20th century Prince Edward Island sets the stage for lively adventures, and a return to the simple, peaceful life of days gone by. In the first episode of this double feature, young Sara Stanley forges a surprising new friendship, when she and Mrs. Rachel Lind serve as "sisters of mercy together" in unexpected circumstances.
In the second episode, Sara is welcomed into the warm, social "fabric" of Avonlea's ladies' sewing circle--during which a shocking revelation from one of the ladies about a past beau, causes temporary, humorous shockwaves in the town, and also a surprising twist which saves the day.
Each character adds new sparkle and depth to the story, as timeless themes of love, loyalty, friendship, fear and belonging unfold in the lives of these charming Avonlea citizens.

Although some of the acting was not as strong as in 'Anne of Green Gables', the two short films presented on the videocassette were charming, and ultimately worth seeing. If you enjoy the Anne series and want more of Avonlea, you will appreciate these films. Not just for children--adults will like them, too.

This particular VHS contains two episodes from Season 1 of RTA, i.e. The Quarantine at Alexander Abraham's and The Materializing of Duncan McTavish. In the first episode, Rachel Lynde (Patricia Hamilton) finds herself being quarantined against her will at Alexander Abraham's house when there is an outbreak of smallpox. Sara Stanley (Sarah Polley) and Felix King (Zachary Bennett) also find themselves being quarantined at the same house when their prank backfires. Living in close quarters with each other drives everyone a bit crazy, but Sara and Rachel team together to keep things afloat.

In the second episode, Sara finds herself reluctantly attending the sewing circle of the women of Avonlea (Sara hates housework and would rather be playing or reading). It is during these sewing circles that the women of Avonlea come together and gossip. The ladies reminisce about their past loves, and some tease Marilla Cuthbert (Colleen Dewhurst) for her lack of romance, having always been a spinster. Marilla gets tired of this teasing and drops a bombshell. She reveals to her shocked audience that she was one romantically involved with a man named Duncan McTavish. Coincidentally a travelling salesman arrives in town not long after with the same name! Sara Stanley takes it upon herself to `reunite' the long-parted lovers with bittersweet results.

For those who are unfamiliar with the series, these two episodes can be watched on their own, but to truly savor the beauty of this amazing series, I would recommend watching it from the beginning of Season 1 all the way through Season 7.

I have seen all of the Tales from Avonlea and my entire family enjoys them, including my husband. They are good wholesome movies for the whole family with good values.

tales from avonlea is the best disney picture ever made