For the production of the film, Lantern Hill was filmed using the same house used for Sullivan's earlier production, Anne of Green Gables, though painted orange. Many of the actors and actresses from Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel, and Road to Avonlea made appearances in this film. At least one DVD release (illustrated at right) appended Anne of Green Gables to the title of the film; however, other than being also based upon a Lucy Maud Montgomery novel and sharing some cast members from Sullivan's earlier production, plus also being set on Prince Edward Island, Lantern Hill has no connection to Anne of Green Gables.
Synopsis
12 year old Jane Stuart (Mairon Bennett) has long been told by her Grandmother Kennedy (Zoe Caldwell) that her father is dead. When her mother, Robin Stuart (Patricia Phillips) returns home after recovering from a long illness, Jane learns that her mysterious father, Andrew Stuart (Sam Waterston) is still alive. When Jane finally meets her father and travels with him to Prince Edward Island to stay at Lantern Hill, their family home, she discovers that he is a kind man that cares deeply for both her and her mother. Determined to reunite her parents, Jane enlists the aid of Hepzibah (Colleen Dewhurst), a powerful mystic, to help her solve an old mystery that has torn apart her family.
In a subplot, Jody Turner (Sarah Polley) is an abused servant girl who lives next door to Jane. They become best friends. Jody follows Jane on her journey and winds up working hard labor for several different people. Jane and Hepzibah convince Hepzibah's sisters to adopt Jody, which they oppose to at first because they want a boy. Later on they agree to adopt Jody {It's inferred that Hepzibah somehow made them change their minds.} Later on, Hepzibah dies with Jane and Jody by her side.
^"Canadian-made Lantern Hill finally makes it on to the tube". Waterloo Region Record, December 29, 1990.
^"Anne of red ink: Heirs can't believe the Anne of Green Gables films have not made a bundle. But, as Tony Atherton finds, it's probably true" by Tony Atherton, The Ottawa Citizen (15 July 1999) [Final Edition]. Retrieved from ProQuest240312025
^Bob Remington, "Happy ending only flaw in brooding tale; But neat, tidy climax no reason to avoid Montgomery story". Edmonton Journal, December 30, 1990.
^Greg Quill, "Wallin, Schlesinger win journalism Geminis". Toronto Star, March 8, 1992.
^"TV talents to collect 61 awards in 3 nights Geminis billed as 'live and dangerous'" by Christopher Harris, The Globe and Mail (7 March 1992) Retrieved from ProQuest385497476
^"Cher won't remarry, don't ask her/Dewhurst's seer role conjures up award'" Toronto Star (15 Jan, 1991) [FIN edition]. Retrieved from ProQuest436336799
