The 1959 film adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank" is a landmark movie that brought the poignant and powerful true story of a young girl's experience during World War II to the big screen. Directed by George Stevens, the movie is based on the acclaimed stage play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, which in turn was adapted from the diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who documented her life in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Background and Historical Context

The movie is set in Amsterdam during World War II, where Anne Frank, a 13-year-old Jewish girl, lives with her family. As the Nazis begin to persecute Jews, Anne’s father, Otto Frank, realizes that they must go into hiding to avoid capture and deportation. The family moves into a secret annex above Otto’s office building, where they are joined by another family, the Van Pels, and a dentist, Fritz Pfeffer. The group lives in hiding for two years, during which time Anne keeps a diary of their experiences, hopes, and fears.
Production and Cast
The 1959 film adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” features a talented cast, including Millie Perkins as Anne Frank, Joseph Schildkraut as Otto Frank, and Shelley Winters as Petronella Van Daan. The movie was produced by George Stevens, who also directed the film, and was released by 20th Century Fox. The screenplay was written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, who adapted their stage play for the screen.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 18, 1959 |
| Director | George Stevens |
| Screenplay | Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett |
| Starring | Millie Perkins, Joseph Schildkraut, Shelley Winters |

Key Points
- The 1959 film adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank" is a landmark movie that brings the true story of a young girl's experience during World War II to the big screen.
- The movie is based on the acclaimed stage play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, which was adapted from the diary of Anne Frank.
- The film features a talented cast, including Millie Perkins as Anne Frank, Joseph Schildkraut as Otto Frank, and Shelley Winters as Petronella Van Daan.
- The movie was produced and directed by George Stevens, and was released by 20th Century Fox.
- The film is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the true story of Anne Frank and her family, and serves as a reminder of the importance of tolerance, compassion, and human rights.
Reception and Legacy

The 1959 film adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success. The movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Shelley Winters, and was nominated for five others. The film has since become a classic of American cinema, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.
Impact and Cultural Significance
The 1959 film adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” has had a significant impact on popular culture and has helped to raise awareness about the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance and compassion. The movie has been widely studied in schools and has been the subject of numerous documentaries and books. The film’s themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit continue to resonate with audiences today, and serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of promoting peace, understanding, and human rights.
What is the historical context of the movie "The Diary of Anne Frank"?
+The movie is set in Amsterdam during World War II, where Anne Frank and her family live in hiding to avoid capture and deportation by the Nazis.
Who plays the role of Anne Frank in the 1959 film adaptation?
+Millie Perkins plays the role of Anne Frank in the 1959 film adaptation.
What awards did the movie "The Diary of Anne Frank" win?
+The movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Shelley Winters.
Meta Description: The 1959 film adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the true story of a young girl’s experience during World War II. Learn more about the movie’s production, cast, and legacy. (149 characters)