Little Women (1949)

Maybe it's because I saw this version after seeing the Katharine Hepburn and Winona Ryder versions, but I consider this version to be the least out of the 3. I don't know why. The girls seemed to be a tad to nice and cosy for my liking, and I just couldn't stand Jo's accent. And has already been said some of the ages of the characters seem to be completely out of line with the novel. In a related quibble I didn't like how they switched the ages of Amy and Beth around to make Beth the youngest - I guess this was done so they could get Elizabeth Taylor to play Amy seeing as how Beth dies. And I know it's probably typical of the times but the obvious use of studio sets for just about every single scene made the whole thing seem rather fake.

Overall though it is still an enjoyable film. However I'd recommend the above mentioned Katharine Hepburn and/or Winona Ryder versions over it.

Fmovies: Out of all of the versions of "Little Women" that I've seen, this one is the only one that I've really enjoyed. I think I first saw this one when I was about 10. There isn't any one particular aspect of the movie that I like, the whole thing is marvelous. Acting, cast, costumes, you name it. I watched it again for the first time in years the other day (13 years from the first time I saw it) and it is just as good as ever. "Little Women" in my opinion, is a classic. It's a great movie for all ages. Probably not a movie most guys would want to watch being a chick flick, but great for a bunch of girlfriends hanging out, or sleepovers (that's where I first saw this version of "Little Women").

I've seen other versions of Little Women and this is by far my favorite. The only problem I had was with the actress who played Marmie....it was just too fake. I read some of the other comments about O'Brien's performance and her whimpering voice. Quite frankly I think she is/was the best child actress of her or any time. She played timid Beth to perfection. She may have hammed it up a bit, but her melodramtic style was mirroring the style of the times. In order to judge a film you have to take in account the times in which it was made. I have no problem with the Ryder version being more feminist. I had no problem with everything being on a set. For some reason it made it seem more like watching a painting come to life than a movie. Perhaps I got that feeling from Lawrence's voyeurism. My favorite quote is "Be elegant or die". It's my hope that one day June Allison will be known for capturing perfectly the spirit of Jo March rather than depend commercials. Elizabeth Taylor's selfish, vain Amy was hilarious. I love this movie and watch it every x-mas. It's a definate holiday classic.

Little Women fmovies. If you can ignore the differences from the book (most noticeably that Amy isn't the youngest in the movie and many of the young people aren't old enough), this is a charming and lovely movie! The actors all did good jobs and I laughed a lot in the beginning of the movie. It has lovely costumes, fun times, and sweet romance. A delightful movie!

This version of Little Women was the third film I ever saw, after Oliver! and Jane Eyre (1943), so that makes it special and remembered with affection. I wouldn't compare it with the 1930s and 1990s version, or the TV serial, because that wouldn't be fair. It's a product of its time, 40s MGM, and it shows. Sentimental, yes. But its almost perfect casting (many of the St Louis family including Astor and O'Brien, plus Allyson, Leigh, Lawford and Taylor) and its good heart keep it a constant favourite. I finally got a video copy last year and made my acquaintance with this peach of a film again. Highly recommended and a good tribute to all involved.

This is THE best version I have ever seen, including the latest remake w/winona ryder. The Allyson/1949 version captures the time, mood and setting perfectly and comfortably - Whereas the 90's version was too "90's". There was a lot more sarcasm, too much of "we women being held back" dialogue and overall coarseness. The June Allyson version, in my opinion, is still the one for me.

IC