Little Women (1949)

This sumptuous 1949 film adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel isn't as good as the 1933 Katharine Hepburn version, or even the 1994 remake starring an Oscar-nominated Winona Ryder, but it does offer its own pleasures, especially in seeing an all-star cast put through its paces. Erstwhile tomboy June Allyson stars as Alcott's famed heroine Jo, the budding writer in Civil War New England who pines for adventure, independence, and her own career. With Father off to war, it's up to Jo, practical older sister Meg (Janet Leigh), frail sister Beth (Margaret O'Brien), and vain sister Amy (Elizabeth Taylor) to help Marmee (a saintly Mary Astor) keep the home fires warm while dealing with the rigors of adolescence. It's all poured on with a generous amount of syrup, including lavish sets, hoop skirts, and petticoats, but anyone who's ever read Alcott's book will take comfort in its familiar story line. The dialogue is clunky but earnest, but you'd have to have a heart of stone not to get caught up in Jo's plight. And rarely do you get to see such stars go at it with such gusto: Allyson and Peter Lawford (as neighbor and rich boy Laurie) are a match made in B-movie heaven, Taylor is spunky and hilarious in an early comic performance, and Leigh does the matronly thing with aplomb. And nobody, but nobody, cries and suffers like Margaret O'Brien! Watch it in the wintertime, with a fire roaring. --Mark Englehart Amazon.com essential video

little women

fantastic, great condition and price. quick delivery and great movie.
recommend them to anyone purchasing a product. i will certaintly be looking for them in future purchases. November 30, 2008

Right title, wrong movie

The movie arrived in good condition and quickly. The only problem was, I had ordered the older version of the movie (1949), not the 1994 version. November 16, 2008

The Best Version of Little Women Ever Produced, Hands Down!

As far as I'm concerned, this is the best and most entertaining version of Little Women ever produced--hands down! June Allyson's dynamic portrayal of "Jo" is magnanimous; from her delightful tomboyish mannerisms to her non-stop quest to become a great writer, June's "Jo" exudes personality with a capital "P!" Although Allyson is my favorite actress in this production, I also enjoyed Elizabeth Taylor's "hoity toity" "Amy" persona, as well as Margaret O'Brien's poignant depiction of "Beth."
This gem of a movie rolls sentimentality, realism, romanticism, frivolity, and hope all into one! October 18, 2008

Little Women

My mother made comments that she had seen this movie when she was in high school and would like to have it. I did a search on your sight and found it. Thank you.

Sincerly,
Peggy Parker May 5, 2008

"Some girls have everything, while other, prettier, girls have nothing at all!"

This version has to be one of the best - at least tied with the 1933 Katharine Hepburn version. I believe everyone did their part well. Margaret O'Brien is certainly better as Beth than Tootie in "Meet Me In St. Louis," June Allyson (though not as good as Katharine Hepburn) did a great job as Jo, and Elizabeth Taylor (I know alot of people said she didn't fit the part) was perfect as Amy (well, except for the part calls for blonde hair. Elizabeth Taylor could definitely NOT be a blonde). Surprisingly, there is actually even a little bit of comedy (especially what Amy says). And the more I see it the better it gets. You always pick up something else that you didn't the last time you saw it. So I HIGHLY recommend it for the entire family! March 22, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...