Little Women

[coolrob1955]

Watched the 1994 version with Wynona Rider on DVD the other day. Thought it was excellent.

 

Watched the 1933 version on TCM a month or so ago, liked that one a lot to.

 

Never seen the June Allyson 1949 version, Will watch it today.

 

Which do you think was the the best version ?

 

Regards

[SusannO]

June Allyson, by far. I also like the other versions. Ryder is wonderful for today's girls who have to have a current actress. I am a huge Hepburn fan and although I loved this version there were places I felt my daughter could be a little frightened.

There is only one perfect Jo, June Allyson. My husband and daughter (4, so will talk!) are headed to the park and ice-cream while I curl up for today's movie. I have chocolate covered raisins AND for the first time a handkerchief. My tears will flow today for such a classic, beautiful lady. I said on an earlier thread that I knew in heaven she would be jumping fences with Peter Lawford!

[pandorainmay]

Gotta go with the George Cukor '30s version of Louisa May Alcott's story as the best in my book. Cukor and company didn't try to make it more than it was--a fairly simple story about a family growing up and coping with change. Heck, they''ve been telling this story for thousands of years in some form or another, (wasn't ole Oedipus and Jocasta just another family tale? Or the Arthurian legend about a troubled marriage at its core?)

 

The story's evergreen, eternal and still touches the heart. Wisely, Cukor and producer Selznick focused on the essentials in the story without needing technicolor or huge production folderol weighing things down. And it doesn't forget to be funny as well as touching. I still crack up during the amateur theatrical production and shed a tear when Beth (Jean Parker) leaves them.

 

The other primary reason why I think that it works is Katharine Hepburn. She was so impossibly young, vulnerable, heedless and artless, (seemingly). I get the same feeling about her when viewing A Bill of Divorcement, Morning Glory, and especially Alice Adams. There was something wonderful about her acting for most of the thirties--even in movies that didn't entirely work--like Break of Hearts or A Woman Rebels. Let's face it--she didn't know that she was a living legend yet. There's a playfulness in her too that shines through best in such films as Holiday, Sylvia Scarlett and even Christopher Strong, ( you've got to see her in her silver misquito costume if you doubt me). Though she was always an accomplished actress, something indefinable went out of her acting later, when her position in the pantheon became more secure, it seems. Perhaps that energy of hers focused on Mr. Tracy rather than just her career after that.

 

I liked the Winona Ryder version very much too but I wasn't as bowled over, (probably impossible, unless one hadn't seen the Hepburn version). I didn't like the June Allyson version at all. It seemed lifeless to me, though I know that many viewers love it. The best thing about this late '40s production seemed to be Mary Astor as Marmee, who, of course, was also lovely as the mother in Meet Me in St. Louis . Funnily, Astor wrote in one of her books that she was also acting the part of a burnt out prostitute in Fred Zinneman's Act of Violence at the same time! What a psychic shift that must've been!

[normandie7]

I've only ever seen the 1994 version. Susan Sarandon's performance in this movie was particularly good.

Look forward to seeing the other, older versions in the future.

[JackBurley]

I've seen three versions (and I wonder if there are more?). Katherine Hepburn's Jo is the primary attraction to the 1933 version. When I think of Jo, I picture Ms. Hepburn. And I think I prefer the first 2/3 of this version to the others; but then it seems to get bogged down, somehow. I very much enjoyed the Susan Sarandon/Wynona Ryder version; in fact, I think this is the only version to bring a lump to my throat. As I recall, the attitudes were somewhat updated to make it meaningful to girls of the 1990's; but I thought it was well done. I'm afraid I can't take the 1940's version, which always seemed like a pretender. June Allyson -- may she rest in peace -- was so lacking as a Jo, and she made me ache for Kate Hepburn... As I recall, I was equally annoyed by Margaret O'Brien and the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor (Wasn't she blonde in this? a desecration!). The viril and Italian Rosanno Brazzi as the German Mr. Bhaer? What were they thinking?

[CharlieT]

I very rarely disagree with anyone here. If I have a different opinion, I usually keep it to myself, but in this case, Jack, I have to make an exception. I think it is the entire group of March girls in the June Allyson version that makes it memorable. I have seen all 3 versions mentioned here, and this is the only one that I can name all four of the actresses that fill these roles. The other two have me stumped after "Jo" without reminders of the others.

 

I like both of the earlier ones, but haven't watched the newest version enough to fairly compare it to the others.

 

As far as improper accents for foreign roles, it's a common practice. Hollywood must figure that if it's foreign, it doesn't really matter to the audience if it is the correct one.

The Frenchman in South Pacific usually is played by an Italian.

 

Not saying you're wrong, Jack... just don't agree with you.

 

CharlieT

[patful]

I've never seen the 1919 or 1994 versions. I'm a big fan of Hepburn, Allyson, and O'Brien. I think the only thing that appealed to me about the 1933 version was Hepburn. The rest of it just left me cold for some reason, and no, not because it was B&W. The actresses in 1949 just seemed to have better chemistry to me. Sure, Elizabeth Taylor was really annoying. Margaret O'Brien was only eleven playing a twenty-year-old, but I thought she was excellent (hey, I'm incredibly biased!). They even had to switch Beth to the youngest child to accommodate her. And C. Aubrey Smith was brilliant in his last role as Mr. Laurence. After seeing both movies, I finally read the book (teenage guys didn't read "Little Women" when and where I grew up!). The further I got through the book, the more Allyson, Leigh, and O'Brien's faces were imprinted in my mind as the characters. When I read that June Allyson had died, the first image that came into my head was her jumping fences. :-( She'll always be Jo to me.

[SusannO]

Promise me you will see the two older versions. As I said in my opinion, June Allyson version is best. You are in for a treat!

[bansi4]

My daughter is crazy about the 1994 version. I'll stick to the June Allyson version.

Can't take to the Katharine Hepburn version since she comes across a bit **** at times.

[JackBurley]

"As far as improper accents for foreign roles, it's a common practice. Hollywood must figure that if it's foreign, it doesn't really matter to the audience if it is the correct one."

 

I was cursed by reading the book that made just a deal about his being German. It was an essential part of his character, so to hire an Italian seemed an anomaly to me.

 

"Not saying you're wrong, Jack... just don't agree with you."

 

Goodness gracious, no offense taken. I'm fascinated by other's opinions and welcome them. That's what this board is about, to share each other's opinions. When I see disclaimers like this I think, "Do I come across as a boor because I don't apologise before stating my opinion?". I hope when I state an opinion like "June Allyson was miscast as Jo", that people aren't taking that as my proclamation or edict. I forget that no one here knows me in "real life", so y'all don't know that I have no and am no authority; I'm just a poor schlub in California who loves movies. I'm humbled by the knowledge that's posted on this board.

 

Also when I say things like "June Allyson was miscast as Jo", I'm not casting an aspersion against her person. She just didn't interpret the character as I'd like. And who am I? (Reminder: a poor schlub in California!) I noticed that some people were backing away from their earlier Allyson thoughts once she passed. I had suggested that her screen roles became more bland as her career progressed. I still think so; but that's not to say that June Allyson wasn't a lovely person. I'm betting she would make a delightful dinner companion and I would have been honored to have met her. There. Those are my disclaimers.

 

Let's all express our loves and disappointments with impunity and without fear! Yippee!

[jdb1]

JackB, I am delighted to read all of your opinions here, and you are welcome to voice them, as far as I'm concerned. If we all agreed, all the time, what would be the purpose of this exchange?

 

There are obviously lots of people on these boards, and in the world at large, who are Allyson fans. I'm not one of them. I was sad to hear of her death, but that won't turn me into an admirer of her work. I looked in on some of the films run today, and I haven't had a change of heart. As far as I can see, her two modes of acting are sticking out her bottom lip, and/or rolling her eyes back and forth. It started to wear thin pretty soon. This doesn't mean I dislike Allyson, but it means I don't think she's "All That" either.

 

I did like this version of "Little Women" a little better this time than I have in the past, but I just don't get any sense of depth from Allyson's acting, and a steady diet of surface just isn't enough when you've read and loved the book, and seen and loved Hepburn in the role.

 

I don't see the need for any disclaimers here - we should all understand that the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the mangement. It's like people who make silly or outrageous comments and then say "No, no. I'm just kidding!" Well, duh.

 

As has been said: "That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!"

[SusannO]

To JackBurley..

I'm still a new one but for a "poor schlub in California" I have read nothing but creative and informative threads from you. Now, I love June Allyson but like you said, we all are entitled to our opinion. And opinions (without malice) are what makes this forum interesting. Promise me the next time "the Stratton Story" is on you will watch. She shows a great deal of talent in this movie.

Your friend from the East Coast

SusannO

 

We all also need to remember that we freely form opinions everyday about actors. Do not let our sadness of her passing make us harsh towards our acquaintances here. We have strong opinions on so many but do not apologize because they have been gone for awhile.

[JackBurley]

Thank you, SO;

 

I'm a "completist", so have the goal to see all of her movies. I'm especially interested in discovering her earliest movies, since I so enjoyed her in Girl Crazy and Best Foot Forward (Buckle up, Winsoki!). I'm also especially interested in The Shrike, since I've heard so much about it. Oh and They Only Kill Their Masters, since I'm fascinated with the idea of her playing a lesbian murderer. With your suggestion, I'll raise The Stratton Story higher on the priority list. Thanks again!

[patful]

Well, I for one don't like your opinions, Jack, and you have no right to express any that differ with mine. ;-) You're one of the great sources of knowledge on these boards, probably the premier dispenser of facts about musicals around here. I first came here to learn about TCM, past, present, and future, but have stuck around to learn about films. I love reading everyone's opinions about movies also, as long as they're not rude or in bad taste. Yours don't fall under either category. Now...ahem...I must correct you. It's buckle down... :-) I watched it again today, and the song has been stuck in my head since.

[JackBurley]

"I must correct you. It's 'buckle down'..."

 

Gasp! You're right, of course. Here's my excuse (I have no reason): When I was a kid, the government used this song in a series of public service announcements as they sang: "Buckle up for safety, buckle up!". Decades later I saw Best Foot Forward and heard the song as it was originally intended. I had no idea it was a college song from this musical, always assuming that it was written for the PSAs to urge us to wear our safety belts!

 

I'm still cursed to these situations to this day. I'm constantly discovering a "new" song, only to be informed that it's a cover of a song from the 1970's.

 

[patful]

.

[deeanddaisy666]

Hah...I remember that song, Jack. Only I wasn't a kid.

 

Now, I was a kid when we were admonished to:

 

Duck......and.......Cover. :0

 

You see, the desks in my grammar school were made of a special material that would repel nuclear (or, nucular, depending on which politician you listen to) fallout.

 

Pretty cool, huh? Wish I had me one of those desks today!

[CineSage_jr]

The character's name is spelled "Winsocki[/i]" (though it's apprently Polish and is correctly pronounced "Vin-SOWTZ-kee).

[ayresorchids]

I think the most discouraging instance of this I ever encountered was a youngster behind me at a one-man show about Gershwin. As the audience rose to depart, she heard part of "Rhapsody in Blue" over the music system and said, "Hey, there's that music from the United Airlines commercial!"

 

sigh ; }

 

 

> Gasp! You're right, of course. Here's my excuse (I

> have no reason): When I was a kid, the government

> used this song in a series of public service

> announcements as they sang: "Buckle up for safety,

> buckle up!". Decades later I saw Best Foot

> Forward and heard the song as it was originally

> intended. I had no idea it was a college song from

> this musical, always assuming that it was written for

> the PSAs to urge us to wear our safety belts!

>

> I'm still cursed to these situations to this day.

> I'm constantly discovering a "new" song, only to be

> informed that it's a cover of a song from the

> 1970's.

>

>

[ayresorchids]

Well, while we're making corrections, "Winsocki" is not the name of a character, but of the military prep school that serves as the story's setting.

[metsfan]

I've never seen the 94 version, but out of the two earlier films I'd have to choose the Katharine Hepburn one. The only reason I say this is because she conveyed more emotion when it came to suffering and her tears were believable. June Allyson displayed more of the happier Jo but when it came to crying, she didn't convince me. Despite these differences, I enjoyed both films equally.

[patful]

> June Allyson

> displayed more of the happier Jo but when it came to

> crying, she didn't convince me.

 

Not even during Margaret O'Brien's final scene? You could hear the snot bubbling out of June Allyson's nose! :-) They said she had to leave the set for the rest of the day.

[traceyk65]

The 94 version isn't bad, but Mrs. March suddenly morphs into a feminist. Of course, this is probably closer to Louisa May Alcott's original vision--she hated the ending with Jo and Professer Baer. It was redone at the request of her editor.

[ayresorchids]

Is that right? How interesting! I learn more durn stuff on this board...

[metsfan]

I'll give her credit for that scene because it was one of the better ones she did sobbing.