During the American Civil War, in Concord, Massachusetts, the four March sisters and their mother wait for the return of their father, a chaplain serving in the Union Army. The film moves through a series of episodes that follow each sister's struggles and ambitions: Meg, a governess who longs for comfort; Jo, a headstrong would-be writer; Amy, proud and gifted at drawing; and Beth, a shy pianist. Their lives shift with the arrival of Laurie, the grandson of their wealthy neighbor, and with new relationships that force each of them to reconsider what she wants.

How it was made

The project began with David O. Selznick, who wanted to bring Louisa May Alcott's novel to the screen, but he left the studio before filming and received no screen credit. Merian C. Cooper took over production with Kenneth MacGowan. The original director was replaced by George Cukor, who agreed to make the film as his last picture for RKO. Screenwriters Victor Heerman and Sarah Y. Mason were brought in after several unsuccessful drafts, and they added scenes not found in the novel, such as Marmee's volunteer work with the Christian Commission. The studio kept the period setting, with sets designed to resemble Alcott's house and costumes that suggested the family's poverty. Cukor did not read the book before shooting, and he chose Joan Bennett for Amy after meeting her at a party. The score is by Max Steiner.

Reception and legacy

The film was warmly received by audiences and critics, and it ranks among RKO's most liked releases of 1933. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture and Best Director, Cukor's first Oscar nomination in that category. It was also honored by the National Board of Review and screened at the 1934 Venice Film Festival. It is the third screen adaptation of the novel and the first with sound, following two silent versions from 1917 and 1918. Over time it has been favorably compared with other film versions, and its reputation rests largely on its performances and its faithfulness to the book's spirit.