New on DVD: Little Women (1978)

Just a reminder for Alcott fans that today is the DVD release date for the 1978 TV production of LITTLE WOMEN.

Among this version's great pleasures are frequent '40s costars Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young as Marmee and Grandfather Lawrence, plus Greer Garson as Aunt March.

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are portrayed by Meredith Baxter-Birney, Susan Dey, Eve Plumb, and Ann Dusenberry, with Cliff Potts, Richard Gilliland, and William Shatner as John, Laurie, and Professor Bhaer.

Each of the excellent filmed versions of LITTLE WOMEN has interesting differences. One of the different slants in this version, as I recall, is that it focuses quite a bit on Jo's inner battles to contain her temper. At the time I first saw it, Jo's relationship with Professor Bhaer also seemed to be more romantic than in other productions.

The TV movie has a score by Elmer Bernstein, with costumes by Edith Head. It was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best TV Movie, and won the Emmy for Art Direction and Set Decoration.

My original post on this release is here.