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Little Women is a
remake of the classic film based on the coming of age tale by
Louisa May Alcott, about the March sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and
Amy. The setting is Concord, Massachusetts in the year 1863
when the Civil War is raging down south, Christmas is on the
horizon and their father is away fighting along the banks of
the Potomac.
Each girl has a
unique personality and, as the tale unfolds, we see how their
strengths and weaknesses benefit all of them and help them
grow in love and courage. Told through the eyes of Jo, the
oldest sister who longs to become a writer, the story reveals
the trials and tribulations of being raised a woman at that
time. With the guidance of their mother, Marmi, and their
Auntie March, they have strong role models. They also befriend
a neighbor, Lorry, a rich boy who has come to live with his
grandfather. Lorry's love for Jo brings him close to the
family and time teaches them lessons about love and
friendship.
After a telegram
arrives with the news that Mr. March has been wounded, Marmi
leaves for Washington to nurse him, escorted by Lorry's tutor,
Mr. Brooks. Jo is left in charge and not only sacrifices her
beautiful long hair to help pay for the trip, but shoulders
the burden of the family in Marmi's absence. When Beth
contracts scarlet fever, Jo nurses her, sending little Amy to
live with Auntie March. Eventually, once Marmi and Mr. March
return home, Meg marries Mr. Brooks, Beth recuperates, Amy
travels to Europe with Auntie March and Jo gets her wish,
leaving for New York City to become a writer. While in New
York, she meets and falls in love with Frederick, who
encourages her to write about what she knows. In time, Jo
receives a telegram urgently beckoning her home. Meg is
pregnant, Beth succumbs to her weak constitution and dies
peacefully and Amy comes home, having married Lorry. Auntie
March also dies and leaves her estate to Jo who decides to
turn it into a school. Finally, taking Frederick's advice, she
begins the book that will ultimately become the classic story
of Little Women.
Animal action is
very mild in this film consisting of several scenes in which
horses are seen pulling carriages as background atmosphere. In
several other scenes, the March girls are seen holding and
stroking their cat and kittens. There is one scene where the
cat is dressed up to be a player in one of the little
theatricals that Jo writes for her and her sisters. Auntie
March has a pet dog of whom she is very fond and he is seen in
several scenes being pampered by the old woman.
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