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Parents' Guide to

Little Women (1949)

By Nancy Davis Kho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Adaptation of Alcott's story livened by superstar cast.

Movie NR 1949 121 minutes
Little Women (1949) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 6+

Based on 3 parent reviews

SummerGaal
SummerGaal Adult
January 26, 2015
age 10+

Oh, I Just Love It!

A fan of all things romantic and historical (or Little Women in general), my mother, sister, and me were instantly drawn to this classic. Having already watched the 1933 film (Katharine Hepburn) as well as the 1994 film (Winona Ryder), we assumed nothing could surpass them in greatness. We were all proven horribly wrong, however. This movie is nearly perfect. The sets are beautiful, as well as the clothes, and the actors/actresses get along wonderfully. This is actually a remake of the 1933 movie, in which Amy (the youngest in both the book and the 1994 movie) is older than Beth, and is played by the same actress throughout. I personally prefer this much better -- despite being inaccurate from the book -- because it makes it more believable that it's actually the same Amy, and that Beth really is frail. This is also the only version in which I truly like Amy. Although she still longs for wealth and the like when she is younger, it's much more realistic (and less annoying) than in other adaptions. June Allyson was 32 when she played the second-born March sister, Jo, but her appearance is so youthful, and her portrayal so realistic to the character, one can hardly notice. The romance is perfect in it; nothing at all to squirm away from -- making it perfect for tweens and young teens , yet still swoon-worthy enough to satisfy older and adult viewers. In this version, I wish that Jo could marry both Laurie and Professor Bhaer! Even the sad parts are perfect; still heart-wrenching, but not quite so depressing. All in all I would recommend this to anyone wanting a good girls' night movie, or for a first girls' night!
wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
September 21, 2012
age 7+

BEST version by far!!

This is the best version of Little Women out of most I've seen. The cast is excellent, and Amy played by Elizabeth Taylor was my favorite character! I saw this when I was around 12, then got the VHS for my birthday. Then when DVDs came out I quickly bought it! The newest version doesn't even come close to this one! I used to watch it with my dad quite often and he'd always have to leave the room at sad scenes, so keep your kleenex near by! Such a lovely heartwarming film with a fantastic story. Perfect for any age who are interested, but adults will fall in love.
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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 feisty 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?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This delightful classic 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 made up 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 really only is 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the March sisters and how each is a unique character in Little Women. How does that make things easier for them as a family, and how does it make it 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?

  • Compare this version to the book. Which do you prefer, and why? How does this movie compare to other film versions?

  • Why is this story considered a classic? Do you think it's still relevant? Why, or why not?

  • How do the characters in Little Women demonstrate compassion, gratitude, and humility? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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