Detailed Summary
The Frank Family Goes Into Hiding
The film opens in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. The Frank family—Otto (Joseph Schildkraut), Edith (Gusti Huber), Margot (Diane Baker), and Anne (Millie Perkins)—must hide to avoid the Nazis. They are soon joined by the Van Daan family—Hermann (Lou Jacobi), Petronella (Shelley Winters), and their son Peter (Richard Beymer)—and later by Mr. Dussel (Ed Wynn), a dentist.
Life in the Secret Annex
The group hides in a concealed space above Otto Frank’s former business premises. Life in the secret annex is claustrophobic and tense, with the constant fear of discovery. Despite the dire circumstances, Anne remains optimistic, often writing in her diary about her thoughts, fears, and hopes for the future.
Anne’s Relationship with Peter
As time passes, Anne develops a close relationship with Peter Van Daan. They bond over their shared experience of hiding and begin to rely on each other for emotional support. Their relationship becomes a central focus of the film, highlighting Anne’s coming-of-age journey amid the horrors of war.
The Growing Tensions
Tensions rise among the group as the pressures of living in close quarters, fear of discovery, and scarcity of food and supplies take their toll. Arguments frequently erupt, particularly between Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan, adding to the stress of their situation.
The Betrayal and Arrest
Tragically, the group is eventually betrayed, and their hiding place is discovered by the Nazis. In a harrowing scene, they are arrested and taken away, leaving behind the now-abandoned annex. Otto Frank is the only member of the group to survive the Holocaust.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Otto Frank returning to the empty annex after the war. He discovers Anne’s diary, left behind during their arrest, and begins to read her words. The film closes with his emotional realization of Anne’s enduring spirit and wisdom, as her voiceover reads from the diary: “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Diary of Anne Frank” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a biographical drama that focuses on the real-life experiences of Anne Frank and her family during World War II.
Cast
- Millie Perkins as Anne Frank
- Joseph Schildkraut as Otto Frank
- Shelley Winters as Mrs. Petronella Van Daan
- Richard Beymer as Peter Van Daan
- Gusti Huber as Edith Frank
- Lou Jacobi as Mr. Hermann Van Daan
- Diane Baker as Margot Frank
- Ed Wynn as Mr. Albert Dussell
Film Music and Composer
Alfred Newman, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated composers, crafted the score for “The Diary of Anne Frank.” His music intensifies the emotional depth of the film, capturing the characters’ tension, hope, and despair.
Filming Locations
- 20th Century Fox Studios, Los Angeles: The interior sets of the secret annex were constructed on soundstages at 20th Century Fox. The meticulous design of the annex recreated the cramped and claustrophobic conditions faced by the characters.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Won Best Supporting Actress (Shelley Winters), Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography (Black and White).
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Picture – Drama and Best Director.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film and Best Foreign Actress (Millie Perkins).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Shelley Winters donated her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
- The filmmakers consulted extensively with Otto Frank, Anne’s father, to ensure the film’s accuracy and respectful portrayal of the events.
- Millie Perkins, cast as Anne Frank, was relatively unknown at the time, and the film was her breakthrough role.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on “The Diary of a Young Girl,” the real-life diary of Anne Frank, which she wrote while in hiding during the Holocaust.
- Stage Play: The film was adapted from the 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, which also drew directly from Anne’s diary.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for this film. The adaptation remained faithful to the source material and the stage play.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Diary to Screen: The film is a close adaptation of Anne Frank’s diary, though some events and characters were condensed or altered for dramatic purposes.
- Omissions: Certain aspects of Anne’s thoughts and her relationship with her mother were toned down compared to the diary.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Anne’s Gift-Giving: Anne giving handmade gifts to the members of the annex during Hanukkah, showing her kindness and hope despite the circumstances.
- Anne and Peter’s Kiss: A tender moment between Anne and Peter, symbolizing their budding relationship and the normalcy they crave.
- The Arrest: The heartbreaking scene where the Nazis finally discover the annex and arrest the occupants.
Iconic Quotes
- “I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.” – Anne Frank
- “In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” – Anne Frank
- “We don’t need the Nazis to destroy us. We’re destroying ourselves.” – Mr. Van Daan
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film makes several subtle references to Anne’s dream of becoming a writer, including lingering shots on her writing materials.
- The depiction of the attic is carefully detailed to mirror actual photographs and descriptions from the real-life annex.
Trivia
- Shelley Winters gained 30 pounds for her role as Mrs. Van Daan to authentically portray the character.
- Otto Frank initially objected to the inclusion of a romantic subplot between Anne and Peter in the stage play and film but was eventually convinced of its dramatic necessity.
Why Watch?
“The Diary of Anne Frank” is a powerful historical drama that brings to life one of the most poignant accounts of the Holocaust. The film’s exploration of human resilience, hope, and the loss of innocence makes it an essential watch for those interested in history, human rights, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Snake Pit (1948)
- 12 Angry Men (1957)
- Fail Safe (1964)
- Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
- Network (1976)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Schindler’s List (1993)
- Life is Beautiful (1997)
- The Pianist (2002)
- Sophie’s Choice (1982)
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
