Growing Up With the March Sisters: Little Women (1994)

The story of the four March sisters has held a place in the hearts of readers ever since Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women more that 150 years ago. Their story entered into Screen Cares host Jennie’s heart at the age of nine when she and her mother saw the 1994 adaptation Little Women. In this week’s episode Sarah and Jennie discuss how a movie can become a cinematic portrayal of one's ancestry and how movies can grow with a viewer over time. Jennie’s affection for this cozy film has moved into the realm of film-friendship or even family members, and in this episode she introduces listeners to the special lessons each character of Little Women can offer viewers.

Little Women (1994) Trailer

For those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please visit this link for the transcript of this episode of Screen Cares:

Episode 30 Transcript

Episode Host:Jennie Ziverk CarrCo-Host:Sarah Woolverton-Mohler

Screen Shares Rating:

Little Women is a great Family Screen. Jennie and Sarah both agree that the 1994 film is a great movie to watch with an intergenerational group. There's someone for everyone to connect with and family stories to be unearthed during the watching.
Solo Screen Little Women is the kind of cozy and friendly film that will invite you to feel all the feelings, but will also leave you with a sense of hope.

Screen Sparks:

Discuss these Screen Sparks, with anyone anyone who may feel left behind at home, your siblings, a friend, or anyone who's been there for you through thick and thin. Then log onto our socials pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube) share your thoughts with the Screen Cares Community this week.

Are there any creative works that have grown with you?Is it possible to appreciate period dramas without an understanding of the past?
Which Little Women character do you most strongly connect with, and has that changed over time?
What is the balance between our responsibility to ourselves vs our family?
How can loss propel and stunt one’s growth in life?
How can engaging with creative works and processes help you grow?

Resources & Background:

New York Times: ‘Little Women’: An Oral History of the 1994 Adaptation

All the Little Women: The (Mostly) Definitive List of Little Women Adaptations

Orchard House in Concord Massachusetts

The Book Louisa May Alcott: A Personal Biography Paperback – November 8, 2011

https://www.amazon.com/Louisa-May-Alcott-Personal-Biography/dp/1416569928

Quotes from the Film and the Episode:

“Dark clouds bring waters, when the bright bring none.”― John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

“... I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship...” said Amy, with a matronly air, which delighted her husband.