Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 novel about the experiences of the four March sisters living in Civil War-era New England has been brought to both the big and little screen several times, with the character of bookish tomboy Jo taking center stage, most notably in the Hollywood films made in 1933 (Katharine Hepburn), 1949 (June Allyson), and 1994 (Winona Ryder). Stepping into the pivotal role of Jo in this PBS-aired three-part Masterpiece miniseries written by Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife) and directed by Vanessa Caswill is Maya Hawke (daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman), who is impressive in her screen debut. Although it may initially feel like a lightweight period costume piece, Little Women quickly gains dramatic heft as the March girls—Jo, even-keeled Meg (Willa Fitzgerald), bratty Amy (Kathryn Newton), and shy Beth (Annes Elwy)—along with their mother Marmee (Emily Watson) face trials and tribulations while Mr. March (Dylan Baker) is away at the frontlines of the war. On the lighter side, the arrival of next-door neighbor Mr. Laurence’s (Michael Gambon) grandson Laurie (Jonah Hauer-King) portends inevitable romance, although which March sister will wind up with the amiable lad remains uncertain until the final episode. And Angela Lansbury winningly rounds out the major cast as the siblings’ caustic-tongued great aunt. Little Women remains a beloved tale some 150 years after its publication: the March family finds happiness (marriages) and endures tragedy (death), but throughout remains true to core values—honesty, kindness, caring for others—that could come across as sentimental but instead seem like exactly the right kind of medicine for our troubled times. Extras include behind-the-scene featurettes and a visit to the Concord, MA, home where Alcott wrote Little Women. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)
Little Women
PBS, 175 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 Volume 33, Issue 4
Little Women
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