Little Women (1949)

Little Women - 1949

1949's "Little Women" is our next installment in our continuing series of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel.  This version differs little from the 1933 film, though this was the first colorized version of the film.

The film's cast includes June Allyson, Peter Lawford, Margaret O'Brien, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh, Rossano Brazzi, Mary Astor, Lucile Watson, C. Aubrey Smith, Elizabeth Patterson, Leon Ames, Harry Davenport, and Ellen Corby.

The setting of our film is Concord, Massachusetts.  Two neighboring houses are drawn to our attention, that belonging to the Marches (on the left) and that belonging to the Laurences (on the right).

Inside the March house, the four March sisters and their mother keep hope alive for their father fighting in the American Civil War.  As this film is so very similar to the 1933 film, I will draw attention to a few notable scenes and differences/similarities.

In one scene, the March girls act in a play written by writer Jo March.  Beth plays a tune on the piano as Amy plays the part of a princess.  Jo plays the part of Hugo, a man with "wicked intentions".

As in the first film, Jo makes the acquaintance of Laurie, the neighbor from next door.  When she's shown into his parlor she gawks, "Christopher Columbus!  What richness!"

Peter Lawford's portrayal of Laurie is my favorite of all the versions.  He seems just right for the role.

This scene where Amy is punished for drawing a nasty caricature of her teacher on her slate is a mirror image of the first film.

I particularly love this scene where Jo asks Marmee what her plans are for the girls as they grow into womanhood.  Marmee has the most wonderful response.

"I have a great many plans.  I want you all to be beautiful, accomplished, and good.  I want you to be admired, loved, and respected.  I want you to lead pleasant, useful lives.  And I pray to the Lord to send you as little sorrow as He sees fit.  Of course, I’m ambitious for you.  Of course, I’d like to see you marry rich men if you loved them.  I’m no different from any other mother.  But I’d rather see you as the happy wives of poor men or even respectable old maids than queens on thrones without peace or self-respect."

Jo's selfless act of selling her hair so that Marmee can have the train fare so she can visit her wounded husband is also a favorite scene.  "Christopher Columbus!" exclaims Laurie.  "What have you done to yourself?  You look like a porcupine!"

Once again, Marmee says just the right thing.  Reflecting on Jo's act of kindness, Marmee says, "Jo, your hair will grow back, and it'll be as lovely as ever.  But you'll never be more beautiful than you are now."

One of the major differences in this film was the decision to switch the ages of Amy and Beth.  In this version, Beth is portrayed as the youngest of the family.  This was so that the studio could have Margaret O'Brien play her.  It was a wonderful decision.  O'Brien plays her character with such a quiet grace.

Janet Leigh's version of Meg is my favorite portrayal of the character.  She's so pretty, and she suits the role perfectly.

I love the development of the relationship between Jo and the German Professor Bhaer, whom she meets when she goes to New York City.  The get along famously, and the Professor is broken-hearted when she has to return to Concord when Beth falls ill.

Of particular note is the scene where Beth comes to Jo and tells her that she knows she's dying, though the family has strived to keep the news from her.  She gives such a wonderful speech, "You're like a seagull, Jo.....and I'm like the cricket on the hearth".  June Allyson later said that after the day's shooting was done, she cried all the way home.  She even had to stop on the side of the road a couple of times because she was so overcome by Margaret O'Brien's performance that day.

After Beth's death, Jo begins to write what will become her masterpiece.  Entitled "My Beth", she sends it off to Professor Bhaer so she can get his opinion of it.

This scene where Jo meets with Amy and Laurie for the first time after they've been married while in Europe is quite humorous.  Jo greets her sister happily and says, "Oh, you're so beautiful!  And to think that only yesterday you were such a horrid little girl."

Of course, as it always does, everything turns out happily for Jo.  Her book is published as a surprise by Professor Bhaer, and the two step into a new chapter in their relationship.

Cast rundown:

   June Allyson..................................Jo March

   Peter Lawford................................Laurie

   Margaret O'Brien............................Beth March

   Elizabeth Taylor..............................Amy March

   Janet Leigh...................................Meg March

   Rossano Brazzi..............................Professor Bhaer

   Mary Astor.....................................Marmee March

   Lucile Watson................................Aunt March

   C. Aubrey Smith............................Mr. Laurence

   Elizabeth Patterson.........................Hannah

   Leon Ames....................................Mr. March

   Harry Davenport............................Dr. Barnes

   Ellen Corby....................................Sophie

And that's it for this edition of Little Women.  The Technicolor aspect of the film really works in its favor.  It gives it such a warmth, and I think that this is my favorite version of the film, not that they aren't all good.  June Allyson considered this movie to be one of the three favorites that she worked on.  Elizabeth Taylor broke her leg during filming, which delayed filming for a while.  When she visited the set, she had all the cast members sign her leg.  The snow on the ground was a mixture of cornflakes and ground ice.

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