Little Women (B or 3/4 stars)
Set in snowy New England, 'Little Women' (adapted from Louisa May Alcott's classic novel & directed by Mervyn LeRoy) tells the poignant tale of the 4 March sisters as they face various hardships during the Civil War years, through their adolescence into accomplished young women. This 1949 version includes Mary Astor as gentle mother "Marmee", June Allyson as strong-willed Jo, Janet Leigh as level-headed Meg, Elizabeth Taylor as flighty Amy, & Margaret O'Brien as sweet-natured Beth. True to the source novel, each woman is portrayed as distinct individuals with both strengths & weaknesses.
Oldest sister Jo dreams of becoming a writer & to travel the world. Her evolution from a feisty tomboy who wants to run away to fight along with her absentee father in the war, to the reluctant love interest of neighbor Laurie (Peter Lawford), to a published author in NY who selflessly celebrates her sisters' life directions, is the narrative trust of the story. Much melodrama ensues in which moments of levity (the sisters' jovial histrionics) are counterpointed with grim stretches (a tragic family death), as well as romantic interludes provided by the aforementioned Laurie & Jo's loyal Professor Bhaer (Italian singer, Rossano Brazzi).
This film acknowledges the great fears that come with change over time. i.e., Jo longs for things to stay the same rather than having her sisters grow up & move on; some in ways more advanced than herself. Stylistically, this movie is a product of the era it was made in. The Technicolor cinematography is lush & beautiful (pastel colored skies, deep reds, striking yellows). The art direction/sets are postcard perfect (I SO wanted to have a snow ball fight in their wintry suburban neighborhood). The costumes are ornate. The musical score is lilting. And the emotions on display are manipulative.
Even the casting is an extension of that old Hollywood studio contract system. Meaning: the actresses involved are good, but they're cast because MGM had 'em; not necessarily because they were best suited for their roles. And so, rather than have this version replicate the novel to its best/authentic ability, the filmmakers opted for a more Hollywood-ized version. My only real issue with the movie is that you can FEEL an absence of plot elements (from the book) in the last Act. When the focus switches solely to Jo, I felt a shafting of the other characters. When I saw them again near at the end of the movie, I realize I'd felt their absence. It is left up to our imagination to figure out how they've been growing up. I like the character of Jo very much, but she's not the only character in the story.
But I don't want to get too negative. June Allyson was never better than her performance here as Jo {boy, could she turn on the waterworks in a cinch}. Janet Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Astor, Peter Lawford & charming Rossano Brazzi are all enjoyable. 'LW' tells a tender story, with unabashed emotions & effective moments. I'm reminded of a touching scene in which Beth, played so well by Margaret O'Brien, speaks soberly about her imminent death to an inconsolable Jo. And so, this is not the definitive version (of many) of 'Little Women', but it still offers many comforting pleasures.
Oldest sister Jo dreams of becoming a writer & to travel the world. Her evolution from a feisty tomboy who wants to run away to fight along with her absentee father in the war, to the reluctant love interest of neighbor Laurie (Peter Lawford), to a published author in NY who selflessly celebrates her sisters' life directions, is the narrative trust of the story. Much melodrama ensues in which moments of levity (the sisters' jovial histrionics) are counterpointed with grim stretches (a tragic family death), as well as romantic interludes provided by the aforementioned Laurie & Jo's loyal Professor Bhaer (Italian singer, Rossano Brazzi).
This film acknowledges the great fears that come with change over time. i.e., Jo longs for things to stay the same rather than having her sisters grow up & move on; some in ways more advanced than herself. Stylistically, this movie is a product of the era it was made in. The Technicolor cinematography is lush & beautiful (pastel colored skies, deep reds, striking yellows). The art direction/sets are postcard perfect (I SO wanted to have a snow ball fight in their wintry suburban neighborhood). The costumes are ornate. The musical score is lilting. And the emotions on display are manipulative.
Even the casting is an extension of that old Hollywood studio contract system. Meaning: the actresses involved are good, but they're cast because MGM had 'em; not necessarily because they were best suited for their roles. And so, rather than have this version replicate the novel to its best/authentic ability, the filmmakers opted for a more Hollywood-ized version. My only real issue with the movie is that you can FEEL an absence of plot elements (from the book) in the last Act. When the focus switches solely to Jo, I felt a shafting of the other characters. When I saw them again near at the end of the movie, I realize I'd felt their absence. It is left up to our imagination to figure out how they've been growing up. I like the character of Jo very much, but she's not the only character in the story.
But I don't want to get too negative. June Allyson was never better than her performance here as Jo {boy, could she turn on the waterworks in a cinch}. Janet Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Astor, Peter Lawford & charming Rossano Brazzi are all enjoyable. 'LW' tells a tender story, with unabashed emotions & effective moments. I'm reminded of a touching scene in which Beth, played so well by Margaret O'Brien, speaks soberly about her imminent death to an inconsolable Jo. And so, this is not the definitive version (of many) of 'Little Women', but it still offers many comforting pleasures.