Original subtitles

♪ Way back when in 1863, now part of the American lore ♪

♪ a young family must leave their home ♪

♪because of the civil war ♪

♪ living their lives in a brand new town ♪

♪doing the best they can ♪

♪ four little women are on their own ♪

♪ looking to make their stand ♪

♪ 'fortunes of war can change their way ♪

♪we imagine their lives will be ♪

♪ the march family are on their way ♪

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy ♪

Being called a thief is

the most humiliating thing that could happen to a

member of the march family, Jo.

Yes, that's right.

It's just ever so mortifying to think that Mrs. king could

actually believe that Meg was a thief.

We should not accept her feeble apology.

But Meg doesn't seem upset.

But that's because the real

offender was discovered by Meg.

But if the true offender hadn't

been found... everyone might still be looking

at Meg suspiciously.

He's absolutely right.

But what action should be taken, Jo?

Hmm.

Hmm.

Hush up, milky Ann.

Perhaps we should go over

to Mrs. king and demand a public apology.

Then Meg should quit.

That's right.

Meg should quit her job immediately.

Ugh!

Meg!

Meg, submit your resignation at once!

Oh.

But Meg was nowhere to be found.

Jo can say anything when she's upset so I quaked a bit when

she returned to the hallway.

Amy?

What, Jo?

Is Meg downstairs?

Uh-huh.

Whoooa!

Jo!

Beth?

Please take milky Ann.

I've never seen Jo so upset before.

Bye!

Oh?

And why must I abandon my job as governess at

Mrs. king's home?

You were insulted, Meg.

No. Not only you.

All the marches were insulted.

Can't you see that?

You're exaggerating.

Did she call you a thief or didn't she?

Mrs. king was merely asking me if I'd seen the money she

put on the table earlier that day.

That's all.

Then I told her I was very sorry but no, I hadn't.

Right. She's accusing you.

Why can't you see that?

I didn't give it a second thought when you first

mentioned it as you didn't seem to think it was

very important.

But after I went upstairs and carefully without it over

that's when I got mad.

And I simply couldn't bear it!

Just hush a minute.

When she first told me about the money, I was

a bit offended.

I've got to concede that.

But now I don't mind at all.

When I saw the look on her face the moment she discovered

that it was her own son who had taken the money, well, my

heart just went out to her.

Does all of this drivel mean you intend to continue

teaching her kids?

Yes. I have no plans to leave my position.

I'm so very proud that I can be of small help to my family

working as a governess.

Goodness knows we can use the money.

Yes, I understand.

But why don't you find another job?

If my memory serves me correctly wasn't it my sister

Meg who said she didn't like her job?

Not when I started, but Catherine and Thomas and I are

getting along much better all the time.

And I'm beginning to appreciate the moments we

spend together more and more each day.

Aww.

Well, I guess I can't convince to you quit the job.

No, Jo. Not just yet.

But thanks for your concern.

Mrs. king's attitude still bothers me.

What do you think, marmee?

Well, Jo, I won't comment about all the particulars but

it would seem to me that Meg's employer is not a bit unjust,

and what Meg thinks about this matter is really what counts.

I believe I can trust her judgment by now.

Do you actually mean to say that Mrs. king didn't

insult Meg?

Well, no, dear.

Not as far as I can tell, and you shouldn't be so quick to

judge her either.

Hmm. I don't care what any of you say.

I still think Mrs. King insulted Meg.

And when she did, she offended every single member of the

march household.

And that's precisely how I feel about it.

Amy has overheard us.

Uh-huh.

I don't believe this.

Amy dear, this is none of your concern.

What's that child doing down here?

Amy, you go upstairs.

Hmm.

Be careful, little one.

I'm ticklish.

Does my face really taste that sweet?

Hi, Amy.

What's Jo so upset about?

Jo called me a child and then she made me leave

the room!

I'm the one who is upset.

Oh.

Poo!

The days were getting shorter in newcord but not as

short as Jo's temper.

I dare say she was as nervous as a witch and cross as a bear

that afternoon.

Jo, wait.

Jo, please listen.

Won't you wait for me?

Oh, please.

Oh, she has such a temper.

Goodness knows that Meg doesn't like fuss and feathers

so she's learned from experience to leave our sister

alone when Jo is in such a irksome state.

Huh?

Giddy up! Come on. Giddy up! Heeyah!

Hmm.

Just then Jo was reminded that others have concerns

as well.

Poor old aunt Marge has been feeling out of sorts for quite

a spell.

So when her coachman Ben left in such a great hurry, Jo

rushed inside wondering if something was seriously

the matter.

Esther, is auntie Marge all right?

She's had a seizure but now it's passed.

Thank heaven.

May I see her now, Esther?

Not yet.

I think it's best if she's left by herself so she can get

a little sleep.

Oh. I guess you're right.

Shouldn't she be seen by a doctor immediately.

Your auntie simply refuses to have an exam.

But despite her protests I put my foot down, and I sent Ben

to fetch doctor christie this time.

Good because she won't listen to reason.

Uh-huh.

A stubborn lady.

Away! Away! Away!

Our auntie Marge was sure a peppery old lady, but there

was one person who wasn't the least bit frightened of her.

Doctor christie, let me take your bag for you.

Here.

Now Esther, if she doesn't behave herself and let me

examine her, I'm going right back to town.

Oh.

No, she's promised not to cause you any problem.

That's what i wanted to hear.

Esther hated dreadfully to fib like that, but she knew it

was the only way to get the doctor and

auntie Marge together.

It's Esther.

And how are you feeling, ma'am?

Don't bother me, Esther.

Oh.

Doctor christie has come to pay you a little visit, ma'am.

I don't know any christie.

Now, now.

Good afternoon.

So you're finally going to let me take a look at you,

miss march.

I'm glad you've changed your mind.

You've done well to send for me.

Go away!

Hmm?

But, ma'am...

Why did you bother sending Ben to fetch me

if you feel that way?

You are decidedly cross and disagreeable today, miss march

and... oh, never mind.

Miss march, I refuse to be treated in such a manner and I

most assuredly will never return to this

household again!

I can explain everything, doctor.

Please don't go.

No, doctor.

You can't leave.

Get out of my way.

No, sir. I won't.

Don't be foolish.

If you'll excuse me...

Ow!

Who are you?

Josephine march, sir.

March?

Yes, that's right, sir.

My father is auntie march's nephew.

That would mean that David is your father.

That can't be right.

Oh, right.

You must be...

Uh-huh. I'm fredrick's daughter.

Well, my goodness. What a grand surprise!

Doctor, I can't breathe!

Huh?

Pardon me.

What?

Yes, of course.

You do remind me of fredrick.

You know my father well, don't you?

Uh-huh.

Since he was a child.

So how is your father doing these days?

I'll be happy to bring you up-to-date later.

But as for now perhaps I can change aunt Marge's mind about

submitting to that medical exam.

Can I persuade you to wait here, doctor?

I'm a doctor and it's my job to treat people who are in

need of help, but I've had a hard time with your aunt Marge

for as long as I've known her.

Child, are you certain you can convince her?

Don't know but I'll try.

How dare you presume you know more about my condition

than I do after all this time!

Now, if you know what's good for you, you'll kindly leave

this old woman alone her thoughts.

Auntie, you're much more bashful than you let on.

Hush your mouth.

I am not.

Yes, you are.

Otherwise, auntie, you'd be willing to admit that you need

to see a doctor right now.

No, that's not true.

I just haven't found a doctor that I can put any trust in.

That's all.

Huh-uh.

You're afraid you might be sicker than you think but

you're still refuse to find out.

You don't want to face the truth about your health.

And maybe you think if you ignore your problem, they

might go away.

Well, auntie Marge, am I right?

Oh, you hush up.

Just go away and leave me alone.

I know you don't mean that.

Suit yourself.

I'm going to sleep.

Oh.

Hmm.

Right.

Hush up. Just go away and leave me alone.

I'm only thinking of you.

That's better.

Please don't get me wrong, aunt Marge.

As I spend more and more time with you here chatting,

reading to you from books and even listening to you

complain, I've begun to like you 100 times more

than the first time we met.

No, make that a thousand times more.

And I want ever so much for you to live a long long time

because that would give me the opportunity to get to know you

even better.

So I'm asking you... no, I'm begging you to please see

the doctor.

I've met doctor christie and he seems like a wonderfully

kind man.

Don't you think so, auntie?

I know that christie is a good man, but he's a quack.

Hmm. Another good day wasted.

Oh, that stubborn old woman!

Oh me, the mood was ever so somber and the clock ticked on

with the speed of poured molasses that afternoon

but by and by...

Doctor, you can come up and examine her now.

She's waiting for you.

Really?

That's extraordinary.

A little miracle worker.

Thank you, Jo.

Take care and I'll be back again tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Giddy up!

My dear sister Jo had not only saved the day but also

brought a twinkle back to aunt Marge's eyes.

Well, I'm glad that's taken care of now and I bet it

wasn't half as bad as you thought it would be, right?

Angina.

Is angina even if not serious...

Hmm.

Discovering what's wrong and taking care of it is a lot

better than just worrying about it.

Don't you think so, aunt Marge?

I guess.

Hey, we finally agree.

Go on and fetch the newspaper.

Sure.

Here I am chattering away and it's past the time to read

the news.

Let's see now.

Hmm.

Oh! Apparently he must have stopped at gettysburg.

What's that?

The news writer who has been sending his stories up

here from Washington.

He's written an article from gettysburg.

Josephine dear, didn't you used to live near gettysburg?

Yes. In York.

A battle was just fought in gettysburg, wasn't there?

Yes, ma'am.

A really awful one.

According to that account in today's paper, our side had

been 23,000 casualties.

Isn't that terrible?

And it says that the con federal forces have lost

around 28,000 men.

Impossible!

The state has built what they called the soldiers's

national cemetery.

I pray that the day will never come when fredrick will

have to be buried there.

I'm certain my father will be coming back alive and well.

Oh, yes of course he will.

Well, now then, where were we before I interrupted

you, dear?

Well, the article goes on to say that our president

Lincoln attended the cemetery's dedication ceremony.

Oh, here.

He made a speech.

What did Lincoln have to say?

Let's see here.

It says there was this big commotion in the audience and

the president's speech was barely even heard!

The reporter said that as soon as he can get a copy of the

text, he'll print it.

My word!

Making a ruckus in front of president Lincoln.

I'd like to whip them all, i would, over my knee!

I think it's time you got some rest, auntie.

Perhaps so.

I'll be downstairs.

Jo?

Yes?

Would you please do me a little favor?

I'd be glad to, auntie.

What?

Would you please tell your mother to come see me.

I'd like to speak with her.

Oh, all right.

There was a soldier's aid so side in newcord.

Our mother went there a few times a week and donated her

time to the civil war cause.

She said she was doing her part.

And I think it made her feel closer to our father who was

still away and fighting in that war.

Good afternoon!

Oh, Josephine.

Hello there.

I'm miss Josephine march.

And I refuse to believe it.

Oh look!

Don, been a long time.

It's good to see you.

You bet.

You're looking great.

When I cut cloth for uniforms like I did today, I

can't help but think of your father and wish with all my

might I could see him.

I know it's been a long time since we've heard from

father but we just must assume that no news is good news.

That's right.

So tell me, how is aunt Marge feeling?

Well, the doctor said it's nothing serious,

thank goodness.

But I had a bad seizure in the night and again this morning.

It's been very difficult.

I think you shouldn't exert yourself for a while.

I've never exerted myself in my whole life.

I believe you wanted my help.

That's right.

I've been giving something some thought and I believe I

need your permission before I go ahead with it.

I've been seriously considering rewriting my will.

Oh.

Oh, now please don't be upset.

I do believe I'd like to leave half of my fortune to

your children.

- Aunt Marge... - Don't interrupt.

The rest will go to my nephew David.

Oh yes, however bad he may be, that whipper snapper is still

part of my husband's family.

It's so kind of you but i won't bear the thought of you

leaving us.

Not yet.

Oh Mary, I'm afraid it's just a matter of time.

By the way, I probably shouldn't ask this but...

No. Go ahead.

Well, it's about one of your four daughters.

Although I'm quite taken with Josephine, I'd be delighted if

you'd permit me to raise any one of them as my own.

Oh, bless you but that's simply not possible.

Hmm.

As you wish.

But it's become so hard to make it through each day.

Having a cheerful child around would make my life so much

more pleasant.

But I'm being selfish.

Oh goodness me, no, you're not.

But no matter what life's hardships may bring us, we'd

like to keep our proud little family together.

And I'm certain my husband would agree with everything

I've just said.

Of course.

I understand.

You meant well.

I know.

Don't you fret now.

I'm so glad you had a talk with auntie and her spirits

have improved.

Marmee?

Yes.

Would you mind if we stopped off at Mrs. king's on

the way home?

Fine.

And won't Meg be surprised.

Oh, poo.

Here comes David.

There are times when i feel very sorry for him.

Meg?

Oh my!

Surprise!

This just must be my lucky day.

It was so distressing.

Mrs. king scolded her son and sent him up to bed

without lunch.

Right after that, I heard Mrs. king crying bitterly.

She turned her head away from me so I wouldn't see

the tears.

Whoever said Patience is a virtue must have been thinking

of children.

I'm glad I don't have a wicked little brother around

to torture me.

Neither Catherine or Thomas is wicked, but they are active

children so I do my best to help Mrs. king anyway I can.

That's my Meg.

Forget what I said about leaving that job.

Sounds like they need ya.

Jo has ever so much common sense but sometimes she's a

silly goose and it takes a while for it to show.

Yet she's always good for some teasing.

Come in.

You have a letter and it came from the battlefield.

Is it from father?

No.

It's a mushy love letter.

And how would you know that?

Come on.

Let's have it!

Ouch!

Oh my.

This is Anthony's handwriting.

Huh?

Well, what does he have to say?

I love you.

Fibber!

Shall I read it aloud?

Oh?

Well, I'm writing this letter from a hotel room

in gettysburg.

I find I miss you more and more all the time.

The newspaper should be receiving my latest

installment soon but this is such an historic event that I

simply couldn't wait to tell you about it so you will be

among the first to know.

Huh?

I finally got a draft of the speech that president

Lincoln made that afternoon at the soldier's

national cemetery.

And I thought you'd like to hear what he said.

Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth

upon this continent a new nation conceived in Liberty

and dedicated to the proposition that all men are

created equal.

And the last part of his address is ever so moving.

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task

remaining before us that from these honored dead we take

increased devotion to the cause and... that this nation

under god shall have a new birth of freedom and that this

new found government of the people, by the people and for

the people shall not be caused to perish from the earth."

Oh!

Yay!

The things I most remember about that afternoon are how

Jo impressed and touched everyone and how proud of

president Lincoln they were.

Me, too.

Even though I didn't understand all the big words.

♪ Fortunes of war can change their way ♪

♪we imagine their lives will be ♪

♪ the march family are on their way ♪

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy ♪