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Little Women (1949)

(1949, Rated NR, Classic, Starring Elizabeth Taylor, June Allyson, Janet Leigh)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Alcott's story livened by 1949 superstar cast.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Sisters model exemplary degree of sacrifice, caring, and love for their families and the less fortunate around them.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    For a movie with the Civil War as its backdrop, there is virtually no discussion or sign of its savagery. A main character dies of illness off-screen.

  • Sex:

    Chaste kisses and much discussion of marriage, but no inappropriate sexual content.

  • Language:

    Jo's use of "Christopher Columbus!" is as vulgar as it gets.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Little Women (1949)

Parents need to know that this 1949 movie is adapted from Louisa May Alcott's classic story of family love and boasts a top-notch cast. The father of the main characters is off fighting in the Civil War. One of the main characters dies from illness, though it is handled off-screen such that younger children may not understand what happened.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the March sisters and how each was unique. How did that make things easier for them as a family, or more difficult? Do you and your siblings have complementary strengths? The first part of the movie is set during the Civil War -- what sacrifices did the girls make to honor the soldiers, and what sacrifices can your family make to honor soldiers now? They can also compare this version to the book; which do they prefer, and why?
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