annewithe’s review published on Letterboxd:
This MGM adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel of the same title, -one of my favourite childhood reads -, might be a glossy production in lush Technicolor, criticised by many, but I simply love this version. Although I also really like the 1933 version, the Hepburn film lacks the warmth I do find in the 1949 adaptation. I feel that this version conveys the true spirit of the book and is as cozy and warm and loving, and it's in colour! I believe Little Women should really be in colour. June Allyson is my favourite Jo, she is feisty and flawed and caring, and even looks a bit like the Jo I envisioned while reading the novel. Margaret O'Brien captures sweet Beth really well and, even though they made Beth younger than Amy, it's of no consequence to the story. O'Brien was an exceptionally talented child actress, and just looking at her makes me weep in advance. I love Elizabeth Taylor as selfish and vain Amy; she brings something funny and refreshing to the part, while misusing big words. Janet Leigh is a beautiful Meg and Mary Astor is convincing as Marmee, graceful and wise and devoted. Like the 1933 version, I missed some crucial story elements here, e.g. the book burning and the ice-skating incident (something the 1994 version manages to do right), but I'm not complaining. This is a delight from start to finish and I will be rewatching this many times more.
*Regarding Christmas:
Even though it's not a Christmas film and the story is not exclusively set during the holiday season, it has a couple of Christmas scenes, the most touching one when the girls bring back their presents to buy a gift for Marmee.
#24 of 50 films in my Classic Christmas Challenge