Little Women (2017 TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Women |
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| Genre | Historical Drama |
| Written by | Heidi Thomas |
| Directed by | Vanessa Caswill |
| Starring |
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| Music by | Stuart Earl Rebecca Dale Andrew Bird |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Colin Callender |
| Cinematography | Piers McGrail |
| Editor(s) |
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| Running time | 57 minutes per episode |
| Production company(s) | Playground Entertainment |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC One PBS Masterpiece |
| Original release | 26 December – 28 December 2017 |
Little Women is a British television drama miniseries. It first appeared on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 26 December 2017. The series has three episodes. It is based on the famous 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott. Heidi Thomas adapted the novel for television. Vanessa Caswill directed all three episodes. The story follows the lives of the four March sisters. They grow up in Concord, Massachusetts, during and after the American Civil War.
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Little Women (2017 TV series) Overview
This television series brings the classic story of Little Women to a new generation. It explores themes of family, love, and growing up. The show focuses on the challenges and joys faced by the March sisters. Their father is away serving as a chaplain in the Civil War. The girls and their mother, Marmee, navigate life with courage and kindness.
What is the Story About?
The story is set during the American Civil War era. It centers on the March family. The four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – have very different personalities. They learn important life lessons as they transition from childhood to womanhood. They face poverty, illness, and personal ambitions. Their strong family bond helps them through difficult times. The series shows their individual journeys and their collective strength.
Cast
- Emily Watson: Marmee March
- Maya Hawke: Jo March
- Willa Fitzgerald: Meg March
- Kathryn Newton: Amy March
- Annes Elwy: Beth March
- Jonah Hauer-King: Theodore 'Laurie' Laurence
- Julian Morris: John Brooke
- Dylan Baker: Mr March
- Michael Gambon: Mr Laurence
- Angela Lansbury: Aunt March
- Patrick Flannery: Soldier
- Fode Simbo: Bandaged Young Man
- Eleanor Methven: Hannah
- Nelly Henrion: Estelle
- Felix Mackenzie-Barrow: Frank Vaughn
- Mei Bignall: Kate Vaughn
- Richard Pepple: Hairdresser
- Kathleen Warner Yeates: Aunt Carroll
- Mark Stanley: Professor Bhaer
- Ann Skelly: Annie Moffat
Who Are the Main Characters?
The series features a cast of memorable characters. Each March sister has unique dreams and struggles.
Margaret "Meg" March
Meg is the eldest sister. She is known for her beauty and her desire for a comfortable life. Meg is responsible and caring. She sometimes struggles with societal expectations for women. She dreams of love and having her own family.
Josephine "Jo" March
Jo is the second daughter and the main character. She is strong-willed, outspoken, and ambitious. Jo loves to write and dreams of becoming a famous author. She is fiercely independent and often challenges traditional gender roles.
Elizabeth "Beth" March
Beth is the third daughter. She is shy, gentle, and kind-hearted. Beth loves music and is a talented pianist. Her quiet strength and compassion deeply affect her family. She is very close to her sisters, especially Jo.
Amy March
Amy is the youngest sister. She is artistic and has a taste for fine things. Amy can be a bit vain and self-centered at times. However, she matures throughout the story. She learns about sacrifice and true love.
Marmee March
Marmee is the mother of the March sisters. She is wise, patient, and loving. Marmee guides her daughters with compassion and strong moral values. She works hard to support her family while her husband is away.
Theodore "Laurie" Laurence
Laurie is the wealthy and charming grandson of the Marches' neighbor, Mr. Laurence. He becomes a close friend to the March sisters, especially Jo. Laurie is playful and kind, bringing joy and excitement into their lives.
When and Where Was It Filmed?
Principal photography for the series began in July 2017. Most of the filming took place in County Wicklow, Ireland. The Irish landscapes provided a beautiful backdrop for the New England setting of the story. Specific locations included the town of Bray and Ardmore Studios.
Who Made the Series?
The series was adapted by Heidi Thomas. She is known for her work on other period dramas like Call the Midwife. Vanessa Caswill directed the series. Playground Entertainment produced the show for BBC One. Colin Callender served as an executive producer.
Broadcast and Release
The series was first shown in the United Kingdom. It later became available in other countries.
Little Women premiered on BBC One in the UK on Boxing Day, 26 December 2017. The three episodes aired on consecutive nights. In the United States, the series was broadcast on PBS Masterpiece. It aired in two parts on May 13 and May 20, 2018.
How Many Episodes Are There?
The miniseries consists of three episodes. Each episode is approximately one hour long. This format allowed the story to be told in detail. It covered significant events from the novel.
What Makes This Version Special?
This 2017 adaptation of Little Women was praised for its faithful storytelling. It captured the spirit of Louisa May Alcott's novel. The performances of the cast, particularly the actresses playing the March sisters, were well-received. The series offered a fresh take on a beloved classic. It appealed to both new audiences and long-time fans of the book. It highlighted the timeless themes of family, sisterhood, and personal growth. The beautiful cinematography and period details also contributed to its positive reception.
