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 ♪

It was the sort of morning when I hated to get up.

Toasty inside, cold outside and worst of all...

Amy?

It was a school day.

Hey, sleepy head.

Come on.

Amy, you must get up.

Amy, for heaven's sake, wake up!

Oatmeal with cinnamon for breakfast.

You know what I like least about school?

Getting out of bed?

No. It's grumpy Mr. Davis.

Yes, but Mr. Davis is there to help.

Yes, but I wish Mr. Sutton was still there instead.

I'll be glad when the war is over and he comes back home.

Yeah.

Amy, hurry and finish your breakfast.

You're going to be late for school.

I know.

Boy, I'm having trouble getting started this morning.

Now what?

Ah! I need my fortitude.

I trust where we know where you're going today, Beth.

Uh-huh.

Hardly a day went by when Beth didn't go to the

Lawrence house and play the big beautiful piano there.

Beth never seemed happier.

Such pretty music.

Yes, don't you love it?

Yes. It actually makes housework a pleasure.

If anything can.

Please, ladies, a little less noise.

We mustn't disturb Beth while she's practicing.

Yes, sir.

Mmm.

Yes?

You wanted me, sir?

Yes, I did.

Laurie, come in please.

Yes, sir.

Have a seat.

Mr. brook arrive?

Not yet, sir.

Beth's playing doesn't disturb your studies in

anyway does it, Theodore?

Not in the least, grandfather.

All right then. Hmm.

I want you to do something.

Beth loves her music.

Yes, but I think it gives the rest of us just as much

pleasure to listen to it.

Agreed and because of that...

Oh, new sheet music. And chopin is her favorite.

Uh-huh.

She's already played all the old ones so I ordered her some

new ones.

Having music fill the rooms of this old house has given

me a great deal of joy.

I know what you mean, grandfather.

It was my intention to leave the scores on the piano

and she arrived before could.

Theodore, you will give them to her.

But why not give them to Beth yourself, grandfather?

Wouldn't that be more appropriate?

After all it is your gift.

I'm afraid it would be a gift accompanied by a fright.

You see, as fate would have it I happened to be standing

at the door upon Beth's arrival earlier this morning.

Well, she had only to take one look at me and then she

almost darted out.

Really?

Beth is very shy.

What did you do then, sir?

I pretended not to notice her and then I came on

in here.

If Beth only knew the truth of it that big bad

grandfather was just as startled as she was.

I guess it must have been my face, but I can't

change that.

And that's why you must give Beth the music if you will.

I will, sir.

But I'll also tell her that my grandfather is not the

mean old ogre he appears to be.

You will say nothing of the sort, Theodore.

Yes, sir.

I have an appointment.

Hannah?

Hannah?

Yes, ma'am.

Forget something?

It's about Beth, Hannah.

Isn't it beautiful?

Plays like an angel, she does.

Yes, but I'm beginning to worry. She's been at

the Lawrence house every day for weeks now.

Yes.

Playing hours and hours.

Yes.

I know Beth would never intentionally impose but it

concerns me she must be disturbing the

Lawrence household.

Hannah, give Beth one more hour then please go bring her

home for me, will you?

Don't worry. I will.

Stop, Dan.

Mrs. march, may i give you a ride?

Oh, good morning Mr. Lawrence.

I hope you're well.

Nice of you to stop.

Thank you.

Its such a chilly morning, Mrs. march.

Please get in.

It's no bother?

Nonsense.

My pleasure.

Besides the office of the soldier's aid society is on

my way.

Why, you thank you.

Mrs. march, rest assured your daughter is welcome

any time, any time.

It's so refreshing to listen to her play the piano and I

do believe Laurie would have me tarred and feathered should

I not allow Beth to visit.

What? But what about Laurie's education?

His daily tutoring sessions with Mr. brook?

That music doesn't interfere with his studies

one bit.

In fact, I actually believe it helps him.

Yes, but doesn't he need to...

Madam, the influence

of your daughters on my nephew Laurie has been good for him.

It's my fondest hope that their lively example

might inspire him to become a bit more industrious himself.

Well...

Please let Beth continue with her music.

Ah.

I'm very grateful, Mr. Lawrence.

If there was some way we could repay you.

Trust me, madam, your Beth is gift enough for me.

Thank you, Mr. Lawrence.

You're so very generous.

Get up!

And while Beth played, poor Laurie had to study.

Hmm.

John?

I believe she left the house some hours ago.

What?

I said she isn't there.

She went out.

Huh?

What are you talking about, Laurie?

I understand Meg works as a tutor like you.

It must be wonderful having something in common with

someone you care so much about.

Have you done your math work?

Meg is a lovely girl, isn't she Mr. brook?

Lawrence, finish your math problem!

Oh no!

Huh?

What?

Why did it stop right in the middle?

What stopped?

The music.

Beth quit playing right in the middle of a song.

What?

Yeah. Listen.

Nothing but silence.

Young man, you've been trying my Patience all

morning long!

Just a bit longer, huh?

All right, Hannah?

Honey child, now listen to me.

I already gave you ten whole minutes longer than your mama

told me to.

Beth, she told me to come over here and fetch you home

in one hour.

I understand.

I'll come with you, Hannah.

But do I have to right away?

Can I have just ten minutes more.

I promise I'll come right home then.

Honey baby, I understand completely just how much your

piano playing means to you but Beth, your mama told me

I should...

Please, Hannah. Five more minutes?

Laurie, your studies!

Yes, I know but I have to find out why Beth

stopped playing.

But you haven't done... hey!

What the?

Huh-uh. Listen.

Well, I reckon you can stay one tune longer.

Thanks!

That is if you'll play my favorite tune for me,

all right?

But which one, Hannah?

You have so many favorites.

You know, the ones that sounds like this here.

Do, do, do do...

Chopin's waltz?

Yeah. Right.

Let's get back to work.

There's nothing wrong with Beth.

Please.

Can't we stay and listen for a while?

Have a seat, Mr. brook.

Now play, Beth.

Ok, Laurie.

Your are waiting, Laurie.

That's not fair, Mr. brook.

You kept me waiting one day while you listen to Beth and

Meg play, right?

Anyway, I can't concentrate on math today.

Ok?

Why is he always so grumpy?

Students, who will solve this problem?

Hmm.

Miss Perkins, how about you?

All right.

On second thought you've already been up this week.

Uh-huh. Uh-huh.

Well, then you may sit down now.

Thank you.

Let's see.

Miss march?

Yes.

Please step to the board.

But I've been to the board this week already, sir.

Uh-huh.

Yes, but that day all of your answers were wrong.

Today I expect improvement.

Yes, sir.

Uh... boy.

Hmm.

Well, miss march?

We're waiting.

I can't believe the problem is that difficult

for you.

Concentrate, Laurie!

This 8, where does it come from, miss march?

Uh...

7 times 8 is 56.

How did you get 58?

Miss march, it's quite obvious by your incorrect

answers, you don't know the multiplication tables yet.

This is good.

I see you do understand the math problem after all.

I thought if I did them too easily, you might feel

you weren't needed.

Oh sure.

Tell me, exactly what is it about tutoring you find

most rewarding, Mr. brook?

That's easy.

Turning scalawags like you into scholars.

Catherine, Thomas, we're going now.

Did you hear me?

Come along now!

Golly, I'm freezing.

Hello, Meg.

Good afternoon, Anthony.

How come you're out on such a brisk day?

Oh, I don't mind at all and Catherine and Thomas need

the fresh air.

Oh.

They seem to be enjoying the snow.

I envy them.

And what brings you out into the cold, Anthony?

What kind of a reporter would I be if I stayed inside

and couldn't do my job?

I see.

Meg, may I leave a message with you for Jo?

What's that?

I'd could tell her myself but I'm afraid it might

upset her.

I want to help her but knowing Jo I just might make

her mad at me.

Oh, but why should she?

Well, you see I read her story and I'm afraid it isn't

very good.

You see, it...

Oh.

Well, it's better than her last by far and I know that

she's talented, so if she had written it naturally and

simply, she would have had a perfectly wonderful story.

That's all?

You know Jo.

That would make her furious.

Anthony, don't worry.

Don't worry?

Yes. It will work out.

Oh, you think so huh?

Uh-huh.

Well, of course.

It isn't criticism.

Think of it as encouragement.

Yes. That's exactly right.

Will you tell Jo?

Yes, Anthony.

Of course I will.

Oh, bless you ma'am.

I'm more than happy to help.

What a relief!

Thanks again.

I think he's really interested in Jo. Golly.

Catherine, Thomas, come along now.

Get ready, Amy.

I'm going to let go of your hand.

No! No, Katie! Don't you dare!

Nooo oh!

Look out!

Look out, everybody!

Uh-oh.

Are you really sure that's what Anthony said, Meg?

Yes, Jo.

I'm not just make it go up.

He said I can see she has talent and he thinks it will

be a wonderful story.

Phooey.

I don't think he'd know good literal tour if it walked

right up and bit him.

Well, he certainly appreciates your ability.

Tell him I'm flattered.

It would be so much easier if he and I could share our

ideas about writing.

I know, but I think Anthony is a bit shy about

talking with you.

That's a laugh.

He's just stuck up.

Come in.

Hey, Jo?

We need a favor from you.

From me?

Yes, and Meg as well.

Oh really?

What is it, Amy?

Beth needs a favor but hers is completely different

from mine.

Huh?

I... um... Beth, tell them what you want first.

Well, I want greatly to do something special for

Mr. Lawrence.

Is it because of his piano?

That's right.

You mean you'd like to give him a present?

Yes, I've given it some thought.

I'd like to make him a nice new pair of warm slippers.

Oh yes, that would be very nice.

It would be.

You think so, Meg?

Really?

Yes, it's a wonderful idea.

But I don't have enough money to buy material to make

Mr. Lawrence's slippers.

Don't worry about that, Beth, I just got paid for a

story I sold to the newspaper today.

Oh, Jo! Really?

At first I actually had second thoughts about

accepting payment for my story due to a certain person

I know but then I said to myself why not, Jo?

You've earned every penny.

So we're rich!

And I've got plenty of money to buy your materials for

you, Beth.

Oh!

Thank you, Jo.

I'm glad for you, Beth?

Thanks.

And what do you want?

Speak up.

Well, I want a pair of ice skates.

You're asking for the impossible.

Isn't she, Meg?

Uh-huh.

Skates are expensive.

No. They're only one dollar.

Huh? You sure?

Yes. That's right.

They belonged to Katie's sister and they're several

years old but they're in very good shape.

Oh, please, Jo!

Skating is such good clean fun, you know.

You better not be joking, Amy.

And if you aren't, can you ask your friend if they have

another pair of dollar skates to sell to me please?

Aah!

What did I tell you, Jo, the hardest thing about

skating is the ice.

Funny!

I think I'm getting the knack.

That's because I'm a very good teacher.

Also because these are very fine pair of ice skates.

Proof that quality is not always determined

by the price.

Ok now, Jo, how about trying it on your own with

those quality skates of yours?

I'm not ready.

Laurie!

Hey.

Oh!

Aah!

Beth is already working on those slippers I told

you about.

That should please grandfather a lot.

You really think so?

I'm sure of it, Jo.

It's been a long time since anyone has given grandfather

such a wonderful gift.

He's bound to be extremely pleased.

It looks very warm and comfortable.

It's a great gift, Beth.

Really?

Why not leave your gift on this table, Beth?

This is the best place because this is grandfather's

favorite room and he's sure to see it when he comes home.

I know he'll be very pleased.

Thank you.

Afternoon, sir.

Afternoon.

Oh dear. What a day.

Huh?

To Mr. Lawrence, for all of your many kindnesses.

Love, Beth.

Oh.

Mr. Lawrence must have been very happy with the gift

Beth made for him.

How do I know?

Because a few days later he surprised all of us by giving

Beth a present she or any of us would not soon forget.

Aren't friends and gifts just about the most wonderful

thing in the whole world?

♪ '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 ♪