Plot Synopsis

Based on Louisa May Alcott's novel of the same name and set against the backdrop of a country divided, LITTLE WOMEN is a three-hour story that follows the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy on their journey from childhood to adulthood while their father is away at war. Under the guidance of their mother Marmee, the girls navigate what it means to be a young woman: from gender roles to sibling rivalry, first love, loss and marriage. Accompanied by the charming boy next door Laurie Laurence, their cantankerous wealthy Aunt March and benevolent neighbor Mr. Laurence. The story opens during Christmas 1861, as Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy prepare for a Christmas without presents or their father, a Union army chaplain who is away at war. Learning to appreciate the smaller things in life, the sisters strike up a friendship with their charming new neighbor Laurie, and his tutor John Brooke. When the holidays are over Meg and Jo return to work so that they can provide for the family. By the new year, Amy and Jo are clashing over an invitation to the theater and a rash act of revenge, until a life-threatening event encourages them to put their differences aside. In the summer Beth struggles to overcome her social anxiety, while Meg grows closer to John. As autumn of 1862 sets in, the family receives the terrible news: Mr March has been taken ill in an army hospital in Washington D.C. The girls anxiously await news of their father's fate, as their mother Marmee, accompanied by John, rushes to his side. Then, as Marmee waits by her husband's sickbed, the March sisters must fend for themselves at home. Together they face unrequited love, hurtful rumours and trouble at school. But when Beth falls dangerously ill, Laurie sends for Marmee to return home. Relief sweeps over the family when Beth recovers and Mr. March returns home for Christmas. Jo hears promising news about her writing, while Meg and John Brooke's relationship develops. The family holds a joyous wedding ceremony, but Jo grows anxious: the future for her and her loved ones seems fraught with challenges. A year has passed and there are new additions to the March family -- but there is worry all around as Beth's health and spirits flag. Amy is chosen over Jo to accompany Aunt Carroll's daughter on a tour of Europe. A distraught Jo flees to New York to pursue her career, where she meets the kind Professor Bhaer. But devastating news from home cuts her adventure short. As their paths cross in Europe, Amy and Laurie's friendship develops into something more. The family reunites upon Amy's return, which is made more joyful by unexpected news and a surprise visitor. LITTLE WOMEN had its U.S. premiere on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 8pm on PBS (check local listings).