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Little Women (1949)
- Review Date: May 9, 2007
- NR
- Genre: Classic
- 1949
Common Sense Media says
Adaptation of Alcott's story livened by superstar cast.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
LITTLE WOMEN, adapted from Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, tells the tale of four sisters as they face deprivation and the absence of their father during the Civil War years, through their maturation into accomplished young women. This 1949 version's cast includes Mary Astor as gentle mother Marmee, Janet Leigh as responsible Meg, June Allyson as tomboy Jo, Elizabeth Taylor as artistic Amy, and Margaret O'Brien as shy Beth. True to the novel, each girl is portrayed as an individual with flaws and strengths. Protagonist Jo dreams of becoming a writer and traveling the world. Her evolution from a fiesty girl who wants to run away to fight alongside her father in the war, to the reluctant love interest of next door neighbor Laurie (Peter Lawford) to a published author who can selflessly celebrate her sisters' choices, is the narrative anchor of the story.
Is it any good?
The movie treats the Civil War at a distance, but the sisters are depicted pitching in on the home front. The movie also acknowledges the fears that come with change, as Jo longs for things to stay the same rather than having the sisters grow up and move away.
Stylistically, the movie is a product of its era, with pastel colored skies and heavily maquillaged actresses. Additionally, the sight of the "little women" at the beginning of the movie being played by grown-up actresses is a bit jarring and is really only dispelled when the story moves to their adult lives and decisions. Because major plot elements of the book are left out entirely, interested viewers might want to read the original novel.
What 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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AGE
good movie :)
I think that is movie is great for family's. It has good role models and positive messages. If you loved the book you will love the movies.
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AGE
Great Coming of Age Story
Great movie for the whole family. Some coming of age stuff, but nothing really to make anyone uncomfortable.
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| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Mervyn LeRoy |
| Cast: | Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh, June Allyson |
| Genre: | Classic |
| Run time: | 121 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 10, 1949 |
| DVD release date: | August 26, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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