dodgy accents don't spoil an OK drama

didi-5

'Little Women', filmed for the BBC in 1970, is one of their rather low-budget and blandly cast dramas which are watchable, worthy, but a bit long-winded. One big mistake was having obviously English actors trying to do American accents, with mixed success.

As the four sisters, despite being too old, Angela Down (Jo), Jo Rowbottom (Meg), Janina Faye (Amy) and Sarah Craze (Beth) are adequate and watchable, while Stephen Turner is a rather more rounded Laurie than seen in the film adaptations of Alcott's novel. Stephanie Bidmead is a resigned and vaguely saintly Marmee, while Patrick Troughton is underused in the thankless role of Mr March.

Locations aren't fantastic, with many interiors and the outdoor scenes showing their age in the deterioration of the film. Europe is particularly unconvincing. But still, the material is good enough to pass and despite being a little creaky, this drama is still fairly engrossing, even if it feels longer than its three hour running time.

score 6/10

didi-5 31 January 2009

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2016002/