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 ♪

Newcord is lovely in the spring and maybe even more so

by being with you, my dearest Meg.

I feel the same way, John.

I'm glad you're happy too.

I want our entire life together to be as splendid as this moment.

From the time Meg and John decided to get married

they didn't even seem to notice that I was existed.

I might as well been just a butterfly on a flower for all

they cared. They were so tiresome.

John, we've been so busy talking we forgot all about Amy.

Amy dear, what are you doing?

Huh? I'm just smelling the flowers.

Do you have to be so long about it?

I really want to get to know them, Meg.

Don't sniff them so violently, Amy.

You're liable to get a bee up your nose.

Why should you care?

What are you talking about?

Hmph.

I mean it, Amy, come on.

Why are you in such a hurry, Meg?

Pick some and bring them with you.

Hmph.

You're acting just like a cranky old lady, Amy.

John has to tutor Laurie and he'll be late if you don't

keep up with us.

Well, go on. You don't want me around anyway.

I'm sorry, dear.

John and I planned this walk so we can have a long talk.

It's not very good manners to ignore me.

I apologize, Amy, you're right.

Meg and I have neglected you just dreadfully.

It's not as if we invited her to accompany us.

But Amy feels she has something important to contribute.

Bless my bonnet!

I bet I could plan your entire wedding.

You're just being impertinent.

You know wedding plans are a private affair between the two people in love.

Marmee is the expert I'll consult.

All right.

Don't bite my head off!

At least let me help arrange the flowers.

My dear Meg and Amy, i hate to interrupt you.

I must get back.

Laurie is waiting for me.

Of course. We'll continue our flower discussion later.

Take my hand, Amy.

We don't want to make John tardy.

Mr. Lawrence will fret.

Yes, specially since Laurie has been somewhat

distracted lately.

Do you have any idea why he's losing his concentration?

Maybe it's spring.

I think he's worried Jo might go to New York.

Where did you get such an idea?

Jo didn't say anything about going to New York.

You're fibbing.

I know what I know.

That's a lot of nonsense, Amy.

Ow!

She'd tell me.

Well, maybe not this time.

What?

She was talking about it in her sleep, smarty.

I was happy as cricket that John was so amused.

He thought eavesdropping on someone while they slept was

quite unique.

Even Meg giggled as they walked home arm and arm and

there was father to greet us looking fit as a fiddle.

It was hard to believe he had ever been so terribly ill.

Phew!

Hello!

Hello!

Hi, father!

Amy, not so fast.

I didn't know there was anybody home.

Awfully nice to see you again, sir.

I have to run along to work now.

Goodbye, darling.

Love you.

Bye now.

Save me some work, Mr. march.

Watch out.

I'll come by to help you.

What's the purpose of this digging, father?

I'm planting an elm, the state tree of Massachusetts, Meg.

Will we be able to picnic under the tree soon?

It will take several years for the tree to mature before

it's perfect for picnics.

As you grow, Amy, so will our tree.

As I watched my father, content in his work, I heard

Beth playing our dear piano.

I imagined the cozy times we would all have together under

our new tree

now that father and Beth were well again.

As Beth continued to play, Meg and I silently entered the

house not wanting to disturb her.

Beth loved music ever so much and we loved to hear her play.

It was a good feeling,

father at home and Beth at her piano.

Our happiness would have been truly complete if the war were

over and father could stay home for good.

I hope you had a nice walk.

It's such a beautiful day.

Ever hear love birds talk?

You wouldn't believe the silly gibberish.

Humph. Humph

John and I were having a romantic stroll when a certain

party decided to walk with us.

I'm sure she told you we invited her.

Uh-huh.

Really? What's all the fuss and feathers?

You should go for a walk, Beth.

It would do you good.

But I'll make sure there's no love birds around.

Uh-huh.

Huh?

I suggested to Beth that Jo probably needed a break

from her writing and that they could take a walk together.

Come on in.

We hope we're not disturbing you but we thought

you might take a rest from writing.

Well, I was just finishing up and was about to take a little break.

Uhmmm!

Jo, how about going for a walk with me?

If you're sure you're well enough.

We could walk down to the newspaper office.

How'd that be?

Fresh air and sunshine.

Just what you need.

Really?

Uh-huh. And if you're not too tired, we can go by aunt march's house and visit.

You haven't paid your respects in quite a long time.

Splendid. I'm so happy we can go on this outing.

It will be just like old times, Jo.

As Jo hugged her, I knew Beth was back to her old healthy self again.

They left on their outing a short time later departing in

a very ladylike fashion, but i knew that would run like the

wind as soon as they were out of sight.

All that resting has made you faster than ever.

Whoa!

Hurray!

Wait for me.

Mercy me, Jo. I'm really beating you and I'm not getting tired at all or

even running out of breath.

I forgot all my manners and kept thinking how happy it

would make you if I won.

I tied by bonnet down so it wouldn't blow away.

That's how come i went so fast.

That was brilliant.

You beat me fair and square and you're becoming a very

capable young woman.

Uh-huh.

Thank you, Jo.

You're welcome. Now I have some news I'd like to share with you.

I need to try my wings.

For a while now I've felt restless, and I want to be

seeing, doing and learning more than I am.

To write a great novel, it's important to see more of the world.

Where would you go?

New York.

Oh.

Marmee and father said i could leave after Meg's

engagement party.

I'll miss you.

I'll miss you too, dear Beth.

Where will you stay?

At Mrs. kirk's boardinghouse.

I'll be paying my way by sewing and tutoring her children.

I can imagine the jolly time all those children will

have with you there.

Even though we won't be together, I'll be happy

knowing you're doing what you have to do advance

your career.

Golly, miss Jo, you going to New York?

Yes, that's my plan.

When, missy?

Right away.

Well, I'm sure gonna miss you if you don't mind my saying so.

I'll mail you my first book.

And of course I'll be coming home when Meg gets married.

It's not as if I were going away for good.

Well, I'm glad of that at least.

Begging your pardon ma'am, but I'm beholding to the marches for

my work in Massachusetts.

I appreciate that but you don't owe us a thing.

Well, before you go may i say I'm much obliged to you.

Someone is coming. Who?

Uh-oh.

I reckon that must be Mr. murdock.

John, clear the front page.

Cut the lead story. Reset the type.

I've got some big news.

Yes, Mr. murdock. Right away!

Hello.

Oh, I didn't know you were here.

I brought Beth.

Beth this is Mr. murdock.

Honored.

Indeed a pleasure.

Guess what?

Lee just surrendered to general Grant at the

appomattox courthouse.

That means the war is over, miss march.

Oh, that's wonderful!

That means my father won't have to go back to war!

That's right.

Oh!

I'm telling you, miss march, you'll remember this

moment all your life, April 9, 1865, the day the union was saved.

I'm so proud of this country.

Yeah!

That's a first!

Well, all set up for the new lead story, John?

I am. Yes, sir.

This edition is going to set a new sales record for the times.

That's great news, Mr. murdock.

Uh-huh.

This is what makes the newspaper business

so exciting.

Uh-huh.

Yes, Beth. My work is stimulating.

Yes.

So you have some news to tell me?

Am I correct, miss march?

Yes, I'm going to New York to live.

Oh?

I hope to get new ideas there for my writing.

Well, now I'm all for it.

Just as long as you send me your stories to print in my paper.

I'd like that very much.

In fact, I brought a story I just finished.

I'll run it right away.

With Anthony gone, I feel kind of daring these days.

Hmm.

You better read it first.

The content may be too daring for some of your readers.

I'm not worried.

What's it about, Jo?

It's easy, Laurie.

A+a=2a.

And it follows a+b=b+a.

It doesn't matter what numbers a+b represent.

That sounds very familiar to me, John.

Well, it should.

We went over the same equation yesterday.

I sure would like to take a break now, all right?

Laurie, I'm becoming very concerned about your lack of concentration.

We have only two and a half months left to prepare you for

this year's examinations.

Yes, I'm aware of that.

Then why aren't you applying yourself?

I don't know.

Well, I know how this spring weather can affect a

fellow, but you've got to buckle down for your grandfather's sake.

You don't want to disappoint him.

No, I can't let him down.

I know. You could take a break while I review all the equations.

Hmm, uh-huh.

That will be fine.

If you get stumped on one of those problems, just holler.

I'm going to give Mr. march a hand.

Oh Jo, why must you leave at a time like this!

Why?

Are you stuck on something, Laurie.

No. Why?

I was on my way out when I heard a loud shout. I thought you were calling me.

No. It wasn't me. Thanks for asking.

Bye then.

You are perfectly maddening, Jo.

I'll be hanged if I let you get to me like this.

I've got to focus on my studies.

You can go away but you won't forget me even if you try.

You'll see.

I'm so pleased to see you.

Rrah! Go away! Go away!

Pay no attention to Polly.

I enjoy having my nieces drop by.

Of course I'm not sure Beth should be out so soon after

her illness, but no one asked my advice.

But Beth hasn't been out in months.

The fresh air has revived her.

Plus we just heard the news that the war is over and the

north has won.

Aah! Well, the burning of the march's shoe factory by those

Southern rebels has finally been avenged.

I hope president Lincoln makes those miserable confederates

sorry for the suffering they've caused me.

Go away! Go away!

I believe the president has more important things on his

mind than that.

Don't you?

Rrah!

I'm a bad bird.

Ah.

I have some other news.

I'm going to New York to live, aunt march.

What did you say, Jo?

I'm going to New York.

You girls certainly have independent natures and no

matter what I say, that can't be changed.

Meg went right ahead with her engagement to that pauper

against my wishes and now you tell me you're leaving for a

life of adventure in New York.

Well, I won't oppose you, Jo.

It's important for you to make your own decisions.

You'll be proud of me.

Bless your buttons, dear. Be a lamb. Rrah!

You be a lamb, Polly, and hush.

Keep on writing your masterpieces.

You have great talent, Jo.

Use it wisely to make something of yourself.

I will.

I'll be living with Mrs. Kirk and her two children.

I'll be tutoring the little ones and doing some sewing

as well.

I hope it works out.

I really do.

Whose there?

It's me, aunt march. I have something to show you.

Go away! Go away!

What I have here will open a new world for me.

Under this cover is my new career for my gambling days

are really over, aunt march. You'll see.

I bet you've never seen one of these contraptions before, and

I own the very first one.

Uh-huh.

What do you mean?

You know what it is, Beth?

Are you willing to lay me odds?

I'll bet you this device against your piano that you

haven't got a clue... - Stop it now, David.

You're such a shameless rascal!

Sorry, David, but I don't gamble.

Didn't mean to offend you.

I was just jabbering.

Now are you ready for the dazzling unveiling?

Abra cadabra!

Hocus pocus focus!

And by magic it appears.

Ta da!

What in the world is that?

I believe it makes photographs.

Be quiet, Polly!

It's a camera.

Well, how does it work?

It's very involved.

I doubt that you'd understand.

How did you learn how to use it then?

I'm trained.

And I have happen to have a natural ability that can't

be taught. I'm a born photographer.

Last week you were a born gambler so I suppose it's

an improvement.

Sometimes it takes a while to find your field.

I'm not denying that finding photography has been a

long trip. I'm unequalled.

In fact, my work is so good

you'll be amazed when you see the photos.

And just where are those photos, David?

It really means a lot to me that you're taking such an

interest in my work, auntie.

Hmm?

But I haven't taken any yet.

I was thinking your garden would be nice for the first

one and you too of course.

How dare you come fibbing about your skills.

I wouldn't be surprised if you won that camera gambling.

According to my reports, that's your primary ability in life.

That's not fair, aunt march.

Though I'm not proven yet, I have talent.

Ample talent.

Maybe you could get your start by coming to take

pictures of Meg's engagement party.

Hmm. I've got much bigger plans than that, dear.

I'm going to become famous with this camera.

I'm going into the midst of battle to take photographs of the war.

Why?

Because it's exciting and dangerous like me.

I'll use this camera like a gun.

Poised and pointed at the action.

I'll be the real hero of this war.

The war is over.

The union won.

You'll have to change your plan I guess.

Too bad.

You sure about that?

Uh-huh.

Oh.

Ooh.

Jo, it's getting late.

I think we should be going.

In a minute, Beth.

Hey, try to cheer up.

I'd still like you to take photos at Meg's

engagement party.

Huh?

For Meg's party, Mr. Lawrence provided a splendid feast.

I feel as though I were a part of the march family.

And at this joyful time I hope you'll indulge me for a few

moments while I share some of my thoughts with you.

It's a joy to witness the beginning of this union of

Meg and John.

May your lives be filled with happiness.

And after Laurie graduates, i hope to convince John to

remain here in newcord.

There is a position in my company that I'd like to

consider you taking.

I'm sure Mrs. march will agree I'm getting a hard working man

in the process and may god bless both of you.

Oh!

Oh?

Good gracious. I completely forgot our dear little Jo is leaving us today.

Now my dear, are you sure going to New York is what you

really want to do?

Uh-huh.

Use this trip to expand your creative abilities.

You'll be a celebrated writers one day.

- Yes. - I'm sure of it.

- He's right. - Uh-huh. - Really?

And just one more thing, Jo.

Promise you'll rely on your good common sense while you're

in New York and use it every minute.

I promise I'll do that and thanks for all your faith in me.

I won't disappoint you.

That was very nicely said, James.

I'm so upset.

How dreadful!

What is it, grandfather?

Are you all right?

Well, of course.

I'm just getting forgetful.

How could I be so remiss?

Huh?

Our nation can now heal itself now that the

devastation has finally ended, and that's the greatest event

we're celebrating today.

I wish we would eat. My stomach is growling.

Commit our good wishes for Meg, John and Jo.

We must give thanks for the union victory which has

brought the north and south together.

We're once indivisible under god as this great country was

intended to be.

If I may, I would like to express my gratitude not only

for your splendid words but for all the kindnesses you've

extended to Mary, my little women and myself.

I'm honored to have you as a neighbor and as a friend.

Thank you.

Bless this food, lord, and thank you for bringing peace.

I can hear Amy's stomach as I'm sure you do, so I'll make

this brief.

John and Meg don't appear to be hungry but the rest of us

are, so come on, everybody.

Let's enjoy this magnificent feast that James has so

graciously provided.

It's time to begin.

Bravo.

Hooray!

I can't wait.

Your manners.

Sorry, marmee.

Don't Meg and John look perfect together, Amy?

Yes, but they're sure boring.

James, we've lived in newcord a long time but I

can't recall us ever chatting together like this.

My dear lady, that simply isn't true.

I can remember a conversation we had about... 50 years ago.

I thought you arranged photographs.

David was supposed to be here over an hour ago.

Well, since he's not coming, don't you think you

should tell John and Meg about your surprise anyway?

I guess I could.

Yah! Yah!

Did somebody mention photographs?

How did you find out about them?

What do you mean?

Meg and I had plans to have some taken.

And which photographer did you hire?

Well, your cousin David said he'd like to take them.

Cousin David?

I hired him.

It was supposed to be part of your surprise.

That was very dear of you, Jo.

That rogue.

How dare he double cross me!

Oh, I'm sure he didn't mean for that to happen.

Let me think.

Of course he did seem rather dumbfounded at the idea, right Meg?

Uh-huh.

Sounds like the three of you had the same notion.

David is probably afraid to show up thinking you'll

all misunderstand.

I don't believe there's enough time to send for David before Jo leaves.

We'll just have to wait for your wedding to have our photos taken.

Yes and I better find us a house soon so we can move

ahead with our plans for the wedding.

Uh-huh.

Of all the nerve!

He shows up now.

Wooo!

I'm giving him a piece of my mind.

He could use it.

What are you mean arriving almost two hours late for

our photographs?

You are the most inconsiderate...

Hello. I'm sorry.

I'm late because one of my wheels came off.

It rolled down a hill and i had to chase after it.

Hmph.

David swiftly set up his equipment and we all assembled

for the big moment.

Ok, everybody.

Now this is the camera lens.

You must keep your eyes focused on this spot at all times.

It's very important that you keep absolutely still.

Don't move a muscle until I'm through.

We'll all ready.

Good.

Now hold your breath for a minute.

Hey Beth, let's get milky Ann in the picture.

She is part of the family.

Yes.

Huh?

I'm sorry. Animals wiggle.

She'll be good.

If there's even the slightest movement, the whole

photograph will be ruined.

She'll be still.

But not for a whole minute.

Amy. Please put her down, dear.

Sorry, milky Ann.

Hold your positions while I check my focus.

I wanted to giggle when David disappeared under his

curtain but he said to stay still.

It was harder than keeping quiet at aunt march's house.

Everything is in focus. Here we go.

Now look this way and smile!

There was a big flash.

The photo turned out ok but we should looked prim and Jo had

to leave immediately.

There was hardly any time for proper goodbyes.

Laurie insisted on taking her to the station.

So long.

Be sure to get plenty of rest.

I will.

Oh Jo, we'll miss you.

Promise you'll take care of yourself.

Uh-huh.

Jo, could you take me with you to New York?

Sorry, Amy.

Don't cry, Hannah.

You know that I'll always be here for you.

Thank you, father. I love you.

Hannah, take good care of my family.

I'll do my best, miss Jo.

Bye everyone!

Bye Jo!

Goodbye!

I'm on my way to New York.

It's hard for me to understand why you're leaving here.

I need to try my wings away from newcord.

What does she mean by that?

Now you sound like your some kind of bird trying to fly away from me.

How can you think that?

I just want to take a crack at something new.

I'll show her I can be determined, too.

I'll graduate with honors.

Oh?

John says if I keep up the good work, I'll be delivering

the Latin oration at the ceremony.

That's great!

It could be rough.

The children you're tutoring could turn out to be

little monsters.

You think so?

Uh-huh.

It's possible.

Well, I'm not the least bit worried about them.

Once somebody told me i could handle anything.

Now what was his name?

Laurie!

She knew what i was trying to do.

I couldn't fool her!

Oh boy. You've sure got my pegged.

Oh? Sorry.

Ok.

All aboard.

Bye.

Have a nice trip.

Bye, Laurie. Write me.

There's a book on your seat. Look at page 48.

Thank you, Laurie. I will.

As Jo left on the train that April day in 1865, she left

behind a young man who would become an even more important

part of her future than he had been of her past.

And although they'd never really talked about it, I

think they both knew they were destined to be together some day.

But for the moment Jo was content to seek her fortune in

New York City taking with her fond memories of the

adventures of four little women who had known their share of

hard times but had mostly shared wonderful and fun times

because they had learned that had a family's love would

always see them through.

♪ 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 ♪