The shelf

Little Women (1949) poster

All Ages

Little Women

1949

In Civil War-era Massachusetts, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March grow up under the loving guidance of Marmee while their father serves with the Union Army. They face poverty, illness, and first love.

The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.

Runtime
2 hours 1 minute
Rating
NR
Director
Mervyn LeRoy
Cast
June Allyson, Peter Lawford, Margaret O'Brien, Elizabeth Taylor, and Janet Leigh
Picture
Color
Genre
Romance, Drama, Family
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

Marmee's wisdom and four sisters growing into women of character. Beth's quiet goodness is unforgettable, and it pairs naturally with Alcott's novel.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

Beth's illness and death are sad and may need gentle preparation. Amy's vanity and Jo's temper are shown as faults they grow out of, and there's worry about Father at war.

Discussion questions

When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.

  1. Which March sister were you most like?
  2. What did Marmee teach the girls?
  3. Why did Jo turn down Laurie?
  4. How did Beth change the people around her?

Content advisory

Common Sense Media 9+: worry for a father at war; Beth's illness and death; chaste kisses.

Trailer

Best edition

The disc comes first.

Little Women DVD (Warner Archive Collection)

DVD · September 25, 2018

Blu-ray listed on Blu-ray.com (release date unconfirmed)

Coming later

Where to stream

Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.

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