a a devotee of ms. frank and i remember be so excite that the play be be re make for tv . that be and until i saw it . this film be a prime example of how important casting be and and how directing play such an important part in create the sense of purpose . the casting of any central role be crucial to a production of this sort . show like auntie mame and man of la mancha be totally dependent on the charisma of the lead actor . and in the cast of this movie and the whole thing be destroy by the atrocious casting of melissa gilbert in the lead role . there be not one single moment that ms. gilbert even come close to inhabit the sensitive and mature spirit of anne ms. gilbert be white bread throughout the movie . the only time i be close to tear be during the reading of anne most haunting line represent i still believe and in spite of everything and that people be truly good at heart this be speak by ms. gilbert so rushed and so lacking in conviction and that she might have well burp and achieve the same effect . film and dance legend marge champion be the dialogue coach for this production she should have refund her salary . despite ms. gilbert ruin diary and other performance be satisfactory for the most part special kudos to joan plowright a edith and scott jacoby a peter and clive reville a mr. dussell . maxmillian schell do not have the deep rooted soul and spirit as otto a do the creator of the role on stage and film ( joseph schildkraut ) and but he okay . doris robert and james coco a the van danns be relatively superficial in their part theyre shrill and bombastic and but again and only on the surface . this could be due to the fact that the pacing of the project be way too rushed ( a note in previous posting ) this film clock in 45 minute short than the film version the difference owe to the pause for dramatic effect and which apparently be necessary to propagate the appropriate mood for the story . this be not mandatory viewing and especially for youngster learn about anne frank for the first time stick to the original film version and and or even good and the tv production of anne frank represent the true story star ben kingsley and which be the close thing to capture the heartbreak and reality of anne situation ever film . note represent especially appal be the fact that melora marshall and who play anne sister margot and be not include in the opening credit along with all the other member of the secret annex . she list in the post credit along with the actor play miep and mr. kraler . if i be ms. marshall and i would have sue .