Do We Need Another “Little Women?”

The 1868 novel Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott is a timeless tale about Jo March and her sisters coming of age during the American Civil War. It has been adapted for the screen several times, but none more beautifully than in the 1994 version starring Winona Ryder. I still listen to the audiobook in my car on long road trips, and watch the movie year after year. While the rest of my family gets into the Christmas spirit with Bing Crosby, you’ll find me wassailing with the March sisters. Stay off the thin ice, BBC!

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The New One

That’s right! In case you missed it, PBS will air the BBC’s three-part Little Women in the U.S. starting Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day) at 8/7c. The BBC version stars a few familiar faces like Emily Watson (The Theory of Everything), Willa Fitzgerald (MTV’s Scream), Kathryn Newton (Big Little Lies), and Angela Lansbery (I’ll admit I’m old enough to remember Murder, She Wrote). The pivotal role of Jo March will be played by the widely unknown Maya Hawke, who has also landed a part in Stranger Things season 3. Not only does she have to contend with Winona Ryder’s performance in the same role, with Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke for parents, her bar is set high. We’re watching you Maya.

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The Story

So, what’s the deal? What is it about Little Women that makes it worthy of so many reincarnations? Although the story is set during the American Civil War, and may seem a bit straight-laced to the modern American teenager, the story is still relevant. The experience of growing up hasn’t changed much. There are four March sisters, each possessing her own set of unique qualities making it easy to pick one that is just like you. Are you a strong-willed, independent, tomboy like Jo? Are you the softhearted Beth? Perhaps you’re the more responsible, dutiful big sister like Meg. Then of course there is little Amy, desperately trying to fit in. We relate to their stories of love, and heartbreak, and self-discovery. If you’re a young reader finding this story for the first time, you’re learning from their mistakes as you make your own. If you’re an older reader, you remember how it felt to step out into the world and discover your talents, or how it felt to suffer your first great loss. We women continue to relate to these Little Women generation after generation.

The Question

My question is, do we need another movie? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a new spin on an old favorite. I will be first in line when Mary Poppins Returns this December. The difference? That’s going to be a sequel. It turns out P.L. Travers wrote more than one book about her most beloved character. Guess who else wrote more books: Louisa May Alcott! Ever heard of Little Men? How about Jo’s Boys? You probably haven’t because people keep retelling the first one and stopping there. The 1994 adaptation is the sixth film version, and the new PBS series will be the sixth television version. The ’94 film has a few familiar faces of its own, including Susan Sarandon, a young Christian Bail and an even younger Kirsten Dunst. I don’t think I have to include their most known roles to jog your memory. Maya Hawke isn’t the only one stepping into big shoes.

All of that said…I’m still going to give the new one a try. Are you?

Watch Little Women on PBS this Sunday, May 13.

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