Little Women (Studio One) Explained

Series:	Studio One
Director:	Lela Swift
Based On:	Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Airdate:	18 December 1950 25 December 1950
Length:	60 mins an episode

"Little Women" is a 1950 American television play, adapting the classic novel Little Women over two nights for Studio One.

The first was "Little Women: Meg's Story" on December 18, followed by "Little Women: Jo's Story" on Christmas Day. Both episodes were written by Sumner Locke Elliott and directed by Lela Swift.

Cast

• Nancy Marchand as Jo
• June Dayton as Beth
• Peg Hillias as Mrs. March
• Lois Hall as Amy
• Mary Sinclair as Meg
• Elizabeth Patterson as Aunt March
• Kent Smith as Professor Bhaer
• John Baragrey as Mr. Brooks
• Berry Kroeger as Mr. Laurence
• Una O'Connor as Hannah
• Conrad Bain Dr. Bangs

Reception

Reviewing "Meg's Story" Variety felt it "caught the spirit of the family which manages to be happy despite its pinching and scraping, and the acting and direction gave the piece realism despite its sentimental outlook. Sets were particularly good."^[1]

Reviewing "Jo's Story" Variety thought "it registered with an emotional impact, with the sensitive adaptation of Sumner Locke Eliott and the realistic direction of Lela Swift pointing up the warm, human values in the classic."^[2]

The Oakland Tribune called it "a fine production".^[3]

External links

• • • Meg's Story at Letterbox DVD

Notes and References

1. Variety. Tele follow up. 30. 20 December 1950.
2. Variety. Tele follow ups. 27 December 1950. 28.
3. News: Erwin family. John. Crosby. Oakland Tribune. 26 December 1950. 13.