PBS’ ‘Masterpiece’ to Adapt Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’

Last updated on: May 10, 2017 at 7:01 pm by Kate O'Hare

PBS’ ‘Masterpiece’ to Adapt Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’ 2017-05-10T19:01:14-08:00 Kate O'Hare

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“Masterpiece,” PBS’ preeminent drama showcase, usually has a British accent, but soon it’s going to turn to a classic American tale — Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical novel “Little Women.”

Originally published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869 (and followed by “Little Men”), “Little Women” follows the lives of the four March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy — and their beloved mother, Marmee, as they pass from girlhood to young adulthood in New England during the years surrounding the Civil War (the story begins their father away, serving as a chaplain in the Union Army).

The story has often been dramatized, whether in the movies, on TV, as a musical, in animation, as a stage play, an audio drama and even on YouTube (as “The March Family Letters,” in 2014).

The new, three-part “Little Women” is a Playground production for the BBC and “Masterpiece,” with a production team from the U.K. and U.S. Hedi Thomas (“Call the Midwife,” “Cranford”) is the writer, with Vanessa Caswill directing.

From the press release:

Writer and executive producer Thomas says: “Little Women is one of the most loved novels in the English language, and with good reason. Its humanity, humour and tenderness never date, and as a study of love, grief and growing up it has no equal. There could be no better time to revisit the story of a family striving for happiness in an uncertain world, and I am thrilled to be bringing the March girls to a new generation of viewers.”

“The mini-series is a storytelling form unique to television, and the opportunity to adapt Louisa May Alcott’s novel over three hours is a gift from the BBC and MASTERPIECE on PBS,” said executive producer Callender. “This is a character study of young women rich in texture and detail, and it’s an honour to be able to bring it to life in this extended form with the great Heidi Thomas, one of the finest writers working in television today. In the hands of the exciting directorial style of filmmaker Vanessa Caswill we hope to deliver a new screen version that will speak to contemporary audiences, meet the expectations of the book’s ardent fans and bring a whole new generation to this great classic.”

“Bringing alive this beloved American novel for a new generation of PBS viewers is a dream come true,” said Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming, PBS. “In the hands of Rebecca Eaton and Colin Callender’s Playground, and with the superb talents of writer Heidi Thomas, we are confident this story of strong women will resonate with both new and longtime fans of MASTERPIECE.”

Obviously, the March family is Christian, and the book not only deals realistically with family dynamics, but also manages to exemplify many Christian virtues.

From Crisis magazine:

Alcott portrays the blessings of family, the fruitfulness of Christian marriage, and the vocations of motherhood and fatherhood as life’s greatest prizes. It is not only Mrs. March’s happiness that is replete and overflowing but also her daughters’ deep sense of fulfillment as mothers and wives experiencing the gifts of love.

Of course, the times being what they are, so-called progressive notions of female empowerment and radical autonomy could seep in, but I’m hoping “Masterpiece” sticks to its history of being true to the spirit of the works it adapts.

Also, here’s to hoping at least some of the major characters are played by Americans, but the way things have been going lately, expect to see a lot of Brits — or Canadians or Australians — in the cast.

Speaking of casting, it should be announced shortly, with principal photography beginning in July. The release doesn’t give a premiere date, but it certainly won’t be earlier than 2018.

Images: Courtesy Amazon.com (Kindle Edition)

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