little beauties

The film adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women circa 1949 stars as the March sisters, familiar and iconic actresses of MGM classics. In this version, June Allyson is Jo, Janet Leigh is Meg, Margaret O'Brien is Beth, and a blonde Elizabeth Taylor as Amy (I haven't seen her on peroxide ever). Here, Beth is several years younger than Amy while in the book, Amy is the youngest March sister, a year younger than Beth.

I'm not that keen on June Allyson. As Jo she's the main character, the second eldest March, nurturing a writing ambition. When she follows her dream and go to New York, the camera preens on her flirtation with the older professor with utmost curiosity. That is how it is in the book.

The actress who plays Jo should be the most well known and during those times, June Allyson got the star billing, playing younger sister to Janet Leigh who was ten years younger in real life. But that's the magic of celluloid, a little tweak here and there, age dissolves in a snap.

This photogenic interpretation is a bit lighter compared to the Winona Ryder remake in the 90's. Death in the family is a dark theme. The wardrobe is colourful -- frills, laces, ruffles, fascinators (nah). And Janet Leigh had me thinking about mothers, daughters, offsprings. Talent is not merely skin deep but why are most mothers prettier than their daughters?