The Diary of Anne Frank

1959

The Diary of Anne Frank

Critics Consensus

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78%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 18

77%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 27,942
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Movie Info

Teenaged Anne Frank, a Dutch Jew, perished along with most of the rest of her family in a Nazi concentration camp, but her hopes, dreams, and optimistic outlook have endured thanks to the publication of her diary in 1952. After intense negotiations with Anne's father, the sole survivor of the Frank family, The Diary of Anne Frank was dramatized in 1954 in a Pulitzer Prize-winning version by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. In the 1959 film version, director George Stevens could stage many dialogue sequences in furtive whispers, conveying the precariousness of the Franks' existence, and that of their fellow exiles, the Van Daan family and fussy dentist Mr. Dussel, during the two years they spent hiding from the Gestapo in a tiny Amsterdam attic. Along with Millie Perkins as Anne, the movie also features such veterans as Joseph Schildkraut as Otto Frank, Shelley Winters as Mrs. Van Daan, Lou Jacobi as Mr. Van Daan, and Ed Wynn as Dussel. Oscars went to supporting actress Winters and cinematographer William C. Mellor.

Cast

Millie Perkins
as Anne Frank
Joseph Schildkraut
as Otto Frank
Shelley Winters
as Mrs. Van Daan
Richard Beymer
as Peter Van Daan
Gusti Huber
as Edith Frank
Lou Jacobi
as Mr. Van Daan
Diane Baker
as Margot Frank
Douglas Spencer
as Kraler
Dody Heath
as Miep
Ed Wynn
as Albert Dussell
Charles Wagenheim
as Sneak Thief
Frank Tweddell
as Night Watchman
Del Erickson
as SS Man
Robert Boon
as SS Man
Gretchen Goertz
as Dutch Girl
William Kirschner
as Workman in Shop
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Critic Reviews for The Diary of Anne Frank

All Critics (18) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (4)

  • One of those extremely long and well-meaning adaptations of plays, this doesn't really amount to very much, despite its intrinsically moving subject matter.

    Jan 26, 2006 | Full Review…
    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • Mr. Stevens has done a superb job of putting upon the screen the basic drama and shivering authenticity of the Frances Goodrich-Albert Hackett play, which in turn caught the magnitude of drama in the real-life diary of a Jewish girl.

    May 20, 2003 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Bosley Crowther

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • Represents Stevens at the height of his pretentiousness and the depths of his accomplishment.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • The film, for all its power and humanity, is too long and moves too slowly toward its inescapable ending, but it remains a prime contender for one or more Academy Awards.

    Oct 18, 2019 | Full Review…

    Clyde Gilmour

    Maclean's Magazine

  • The strength of both families in the face of such frightening conditions provides the film with a moral center and tragic power that overcome its minor weaknesses.

    Oct 29, 2013 | Rating: 73/100 | Full Review…

    Dan Jardine

    Cinemania

  • A poignant drama bringing us into the lives of Anne Frank, whose diary inspired millions seeking to understand why such a sweet, innocent child could be murdered in the Holocaust.

    Aug 15, 2011 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

    Wesley Lovell

    Cinema Sight
View All Critic Reviews (18)

Audience Reviews for The Diary of Anne Frank

  • Jul 29, 2013
    The Diary of Anne Frank was filmed too early. Operating within 1950s Hollywood we get a decent sentimental film that doesn't allow the audience to fully understand the horror of the situation and which spoils the tension.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Jun 22, 2012
    Very entertaining and informative. Although I have heard that Anne's character portrayed in the film is not how she really was. At least the film itself was good. What stood out was the pacing. Kept it nice and slow. The acting was real well executed. Great facial expression on all the actors. The writing was astute. Just like the synonym I used instead of smart. But it did drag on quite a bit. But nothing to distracting. The characters all had their own personalities and charm. They where all budged in so their was plenty of time to develop all of them. It was also interesting to see what each character brigs to the table. By that I mean how they react with the other characters. Of course we got to see some disagreements and bondings. I have not read the book but I heard that Anne actually hated Richard. Is this true? If so the film is way off. I have also read that their are better films that accurately portray this real life story. If so it should not lower the rating of this one. Whether a film is propaganda and a lie has nothing to do on how good it is artistically. I'm dragging this review so moving on. The production values where really good. The direction was profound and to the point. Overall, this was a really sad true tale that's sure to satisfy and film and history lover.
    Eduardo T Super Reviewer
  • Jan 20, 2011
    very good movie based on the book
    Paul A Super Reviewer
  • Sep 05, 2010
    A classic movie based on a classic novel/diary of the real experiences of a girl living in Nazi Germany. This movie really brings the events to life, and I highly recommend seeing it.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
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