Though some of the talk of early feminism might be based in fact, Alcott herself saw writing as more of a trade than an art. Some have hailed “Little Women” as a ‘feminist’ novel, stating that Alcott’s representation of alternative feminine personalities was a start to female empowerment in American literature. Each version varies in its authenticity to the original source material.
Since then, their story has stayed relevant with multiple appearances on the dramatic stage, in television, and several cinematic interpretations, including an upcoming release from director Greta Gerwig. The world was first introduced to hopeful Meg, daring Jo, gentle Beth, and passionate Amy in 1868 when Alcott’s novel was published. Alcott’s classic character study of four sisters, based on her own familial relationships and life occurrences, was truly perfected in this mid-90s debut that maintains its value today.
The opening–complete with an upbeat soundtrack of bells coupled with the image of two boys dragging an evergreen tree as they run through the snow-blanketed surroundings–squeals of holiday spirit, but this adaption is more than a movie that should be reserved for a specific time of year. It was the first time the iconic March sisters appeared on screen since 1947, and was carefully curated with a female gaze by director Gillian Armstrong, and screenwriter Robin Swicord. On Christmas Day, 1994, a new cinematic adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women debuted in theaters.