Little Women 1933, RKO Radio Pictures Inc., Directed by George Cukor, Writing credits: Louisa May Alcott(novel: as Louisa M. Alcott), Sarah Y. Mason & Vicor Heerman (00:02:30) MRS. MARCH So you're going to Washington? MAN Yes, Ma'am. My son is sick in a hospital there. MRS. MARCH Oh. This will be an anxious Christmas for you. I think this one will do. Let's try this. Is it your only son? MAN No, Ma'am. I had four, two were killed. One is a prisoner. MRS. MARCH You've done a great deal for your country, sir. MAN Oh, not a might more than I ought to, Ma'am. I'd go myself if I was any use. Thank you for the overcoat. MRS. MARCH Wait a minute. I hope you find him better. MAN Thank you, Ma'am. God bless you. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. MRS. MARCH Merry Christmas. (00:03:22)** SHOP ASSISTANT Oh, Mrs. March. Will you sign this so I can get it off? Why, what's the matter? MRS. MARCH When I see things like that poor old man it makes me ashamed to think how little I do. SHOP ASSISTANT But, my dear, you're doing all you can here. And your husband is there. MRS. MARCH Yes, I know. His last son is lying ill miles away waiting to say goodbye to him, forever perhaps, while I have my four girls to comfort me. SHOP ASSISTANT And a real comfort they are too, aren't they? MRS. MARCH I couldn't bear it without them. Meg and Joe are working, you know? SHOP ASSISTANT Yes? MRS. MARCH Meg is a nursery governess. SHOP ASSISTANT Oh. (at the Nursery)** CHILD ONE Merry Christmas. CHILD TWO Merry Christmas. CHILD TWO Merry Christmas. (00:04:15)** MEG Remember Lilly, Santa Claus is watching you. CHILD FOUR Come on Tony, let's go over to the blackboard. (at Aunt March's)** JO We know as well what are the baneful fruits of selfishness and self- indulgence. Bad habits take root with fearful rapidity even in the richest natures. They grow and ripen and bear their fruit like southern vines and weeds. Al_c Almost in a single day and night. Crush them. Pluck them out pitterlously from their very first appearance and do not weary of the labor of plucking them out again and again. (00:05:06)** (Bird talks)** (00:05:15)** AUNT MARCH Hold your tongue! Disrespectful old bird. Go on, Josephine_c. Josephine? Uh! Where you off to, Miss? JO Oh, I didn't think you'd mind. It was nearly time to leave and the girls all said they'd be home early so we could rehearse my play for Christmas. AUNT MARCH Never a thought about my Christmas. Flying off without a word of cheer or greeting to your poor old aunt. JO Oh, I'm sorry, Aunt March. Merry Christmas. AUNT MARCH Merry Christmas. Here! It's a dollar for each. Well, take 'em. JO Thank you, Auntie. AUNT MARCH Never mind thanking me. Just spend it wisely. That's all I ask. Although it's more than I can expect when you're so much like your father, waltzing off to war and lettin' other folks look after his family. JO There's nobody looking after us, and we don't ask favors from anybody. And I'm very proud of Father. And you should be too. AUNT MARCH Hoity Toity. Don't you be impertinent, miss! JO Oh, I'm sorry, Auntie. AUNT MARCH It isn't preachers that's going to win this war. It's fighters. JO Yes, Auntie. Can I go now? AUNT MARCH Oh, go on. Did you clean Polly's cage today? JO Yes, Auntie. AUNT MARCH Did you wash those tea cups and put them away, carefully? JO Yes, Auntie. AUNT MARCH You didn't break any? JO No, Auntie. AUNT MARCH What about the teaspoons? JO I polished them. AUNT MARCH Oh, very well then. Just a minute. Come back here. Look at this. You haven't dusted properly. I want this stair rail dusted and polished before you leave here. JO Yes, Auntie. (00:07:30)** (Children singing in the classroom)** (00:08:03)** MR. DAVIS Thank you very much Ladies. And now I wish you all a very merry Christmas. CHILDREN Merry Christmas. Good-bye. MR. DAVIS School is dismissed. GIRL Margaret. MR. DAVIS Amy March, you may close the door. CIKLD 1/B That'll teach her not to cut up Didoes. CIKLD 2/B Just serves that stuck up Amy March right. CIKLD 3/B What's he gonna do to her? MR. DAVIS I can see there's nothing for me to do but stop by and show you mother how, instead of doing your sums, you cover your slate with sketches_c and most uncomplimentary sketches. AMY Oh, please Mr. Davis. I'll never do it again, sir. And she'd be so disappointed in me. Please, please. MR. DAVIS Well, I should hate to spoil her Christmas. And for that reason alone, young lady, I shall overlook it. AMY Oh, thank you, Mr. Davis. MR. DAVIS You may go. AMY Oh, thank you, Mr. Davis. Thank you very much indeed. Thank you, sir.0:9:30 CHILDREN Here she is. What did he do? What did you say? O, come on. Tell us. What happened? AMY I just said that if I ever told my mother the way he treated me she'd take me out of his old school. She's never been reconsiliated any way, since my father lost his money. And she's had to suffer the degaridation of me being with a lot of ill- mannered girls who stick their noses into refined people's business. (Beth singing at the piano at home)** (00:10:33)** BETH Oh, Hello. Little tiny little thing. I'll tell you a long story_c Oh, Hannah, is it tea time? I'll set the table. HANNAH Thank you, Beth. It will be a help to me 'cause my bread's raised. Girls're getting home early. BETH Are they coming? HANNAH Just passed the Laurence house. JO Christopher Columbus. MEG Joe! Don't use such dreadful expressions. Here comes old Mr. Laurence. What if he should hear you? JO I don't care. I like good strong words that mean something. Oh, bother. Now we're gonna have to speak to him. MR. LAURENCE How do you do? AMY Makes my knees chatter just to look at him. JO I feel sorry for that poor boy shut up all alone with such an old ogre for a grandfather. Oh, look. There he is. AMY Where? MEG Don't point, Joe. He'll think you're waving at him. JO He's gone anyway. Well, what if he does? Hey! Hey! MEG Jo! LAURIE Hey! Hey! Hey! (Jo runs indoors. The girls all chatter at once)** (00:11:43)** BETH Jo. JO Merry Christmas from Aunt March. BETH For me? JO Yes, darling. For you. AMY We got one, too. MEG What are you going to do with it, dear? BETH I don't know. Marmee said we oughtn't spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army. JO A dollar couldn't do the army much good, so I'm going to buy Undine and Sintram. I've wanted it long enough. MEG I'm sure Marmee would approve if I got some new gloves. I've darned my old ones until I can hardly get them on. And she always says that a real lady is known by her neat gloves and boots. AMY I should get a nice box of Faber's drawing pencils. I really need them. BETH Then _c Then I'd like to spend mine for some new music. That is, if you don't think Marmee would mind. JO Let's each buy what we want and have a little fun. I'm sure we work hard enough. MEG Well, I know I do. It's not the work I mind so much. It's having to tell Flo King how pretty she looks in things I know would look as well on me. JO Well, what would you do if you were shut up all day with a fussy old crosspatch who flies off the handle every move you make. AMY Joe, don't use slang. Besides, don't forget she gave us the dollar. I'm sure neither of you suffer as I do. You don't have to go to that nasty old Davis' school, with impertinent girls who laugh at your dresses and label your father because he is not rich. JO "Liable", "liable". Don't say "label" as if Papa were a pickle bottle. AMY I know what I mean and you needn't be "statirical" about it. It's proper to use good words and improve your "vocabilary". JO Aren't we elegant? AMY You'd never be thought so with your slang and manners. JO I hope not. I don't want to be elegant. AMY Well, you needn't whistle like a boy. JO That's why I do it. AMY Oh, I detest rude unladylike girls. JO I hate affected, niminy-piminy chits. BETH Birds in their little nests agree. MEG Really, you're both to blame. You're old enough now to leave off boys tricks and behave better, Josephine. Now you're so tall and turn up your hair, you must remember you're almost a young lady. JO No, I'm not. And if turning up my hair makes me so, I'll wear it down until I'm a hundred. MEG Jo! As you for you, Amy, your absurd words are as bad as Joe's slang. Your airs are funny now, but you'll grow into an affected little goose unless you take care. BETH Look. If Jo's a tomboy and Amy's a goose, what am I, please? MEG You're a dear, and nothing else. JO We're_cWe're three ungrateful wretches, who don't deserve you. Oh, wait until I become a famous author and make my fortune. Then we'll all ride in fine carriages, dressed like Flo King, snubbing Amy's friends, and _c and telling Aunt March to go to the dickens. Come on. Let's rehearse. We'll start with the _c um_c oh, the fainting scene. You're as stiff as a poker on that Amy. AMY Well, I can't help it. I've never seen anyone faint, and I don't intend to make myself all black and blue tumbling flat as you do. JO Oh, it's easy, if you'll only watch me. Come on. AMY If I can drop gracefully, I'll... JO Now, now. When I come in you'll see the horrible look in my eyes, and you shrink back trembling. Go ahead, go ahead. Well, get into the mood Amy. Get into the mood. Now_c now_c when I start towards you_c with wicked intentions_c Oh Amy! _c.you_c you draw back in horror, covering your eyes with your hands. Roderigo! Roderigo! Ahh_c Save me! Save me! (Jo screams and faints.)** (Clapping of hands.)There you are now. See? Now, it's easy. Now, here I come! Haahaa_c...** AMY Roderigo! Roderigo! Oh_c.. Save me! Save me! Oh!_c Oh!_c (Amy screams and faints on the sofa)** (Laughing and chatter)** (00:16:30)** MRS. MARCH Glad to find you so merry, my girls. AMY Darling. GIRLS Marmee. MRS. MARCH How's your cold, Meg? MEG Much better. MRS. MARCH Beth deary. Kiss me baby. Thank you, Jo. Thank you, dear! You look tired to death, Jo. JO No, Marmee. I'm not tired. BETH Mmm. Warm. Your slippers are all ready. MRS. MARCH Oh. That's my Bethy. Deary. BETH Did you have a hard day, Marmee? MRS. MARCH No. Very pleasant, dear. But it's good to be home. I have a treat for you. BETH A letter from father! (All chatter together)** MRS. MARCH "Give them all my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully, that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women." AMY I_c.I am a selfish girl, but I'll truly try to be better and not waste my time in school, so that father mayn't be disappointed in me. JO I'll try and be what he loves to call me, 'a little woman', and not be rough and wild; and do my duty here at home instead of always wanting to go to war to help father. MEG I'm_c I'm not going to be envious anymore, if I can help it. MRS. MARCH Now we'll save the rest till after tea, for it's such a lovely long letter. I know everybody must be hungry. BETH Let's_c. Let's get something for Marmee with our dollar instead of for ourselves, shall we? GIRLS Oh_c JO That's like you, Beth. What shall we get? MEG I shall get her a nice pair of gloves. JO New slippers! Best to be had! BETH Some new handkerchiefs, all hemmed. AMY A beautiful little bottle of cologne. She'll like that and it won't cost much and then I'll have some left over for my pencils. (00:19:05)** (Everyone sewing)** JO I'm finished with Asia. BETH And here's Europe. AMY Three more stitches and you can have Africa. MRS. MARCH Not too long stitches, dear. MEG If you pass me the scissors, I'll give you America. MRS. MARCH There, you see, you did finish it after all. You wanted to put it off until tomorrow. BETH Oh, but we never should have if Joe hadn't made a game of it, and thought of talking of the different countries as we worked. MRS. MARCH It was a nice idea, Jo. Do you remember how you used to play Pilgrim's Progress when you were little things. JO I can see us all now. With your rag bags tied over our backs for burdens. MRS. MARCH You have real burdens now, instead of rag bags, according to what I heard before tea. Except Beth_c she didn't say. Maybe she hasn't any? BETH Yes, I have. Mine are dishes and dusters, and being afraid of people, and envying girls with nice pianos. JO A piano is a burden. (00:20:00)** (Everybody sings "Abide with Me")** (00:20:46)** MRS. MARCH Good night, my precious. MEG Good night, Marmee. MRS. MARCH Good night, Joe, my girl. JO Good night, Marmee. AMY Good night, darling. MRS. MARCH Good night, my baby. BETH Good night, Marmee. MRS. MARCH Good night, Bethy. (00:21:10)** (Church bells ring out Christmas.)** (00:21:23)** JO Merry Christmas, Hannah. HANNAH Oh, Merry Christmas. JO Where's Marmee? HANNAH She just went down the street. But she'll be right back. She wanted you to have your breakfast when I can get it dished up. JO Come round here. Get behind. Hide them. Get close. Get close. Where have you been, Amy? MEG Amy, what have you been doing? AMY Don't laugh, Jo. I only changed the little bottle of cologne for a big one. I gave all of my money to get it. BETH Amy! MEG Darling! That was unselfish of you. JO You're some pumpkins, Amy. AMY I felt ashamed thinking only of myself. BETH Amy, my prettiest rose. AMY And I'm so glad, because mine's the handsomest now. Where's Marmee. JO She'll be back any minute. Breakfast! AMY Oh, Hannah. I'm so hungry. JO Oh, Hannah, what is it? Sausages! MEG Sausages.(Chatter over all the delicacies.) BETH Popovers. AMY They're my favorite! JO Coffee! Oh! Hannah, you've beaten the Dutch? HANNAH You needn't make such a fuss about it. I can remember when I used to serve it on your father's table everyday. JO No! AMY Oh, Hannah. Were we really that rich? How was I dressed? I'd like to tell that Jenny Snow all the pretty clothes I used to wear. JO I could tell her! Diapers! MEG Jo! AMY Jo! JO Two each. Look at all the pop-overs! MEG She's coming! JO Hurry up! Beth, strike up. Amy, open the door. Come here, Meg. We'll cover these up and then it'll be a surprise. (Piano playing)** (00:23:14)** AMY Enter Marmee. GIRLS Merry Christmas, Marmee. MRS. MARCH Merry Christmas, my _c. Oh darlings! Oh, Meg, dear! Oh, thank you. Oh, and handkerchiefs from Bethy. Thank you dar_c. Oh, Hannah, did you see? Oh, Amy, my precious. Thank you. JO These are from me. MRS. MARCH Oh, Jo. Jo, my girl! Oh, thank you, darlings. Thank you. Oh, my girls. I can't tell you how happy I am. JO Well, I can tell you how hungry I am. Come on, everyone. Pass me those plates. Marmee, look! Sausages. MRS. MARCH Wait a minute, girls. I want to say one word before we begin. I've just come from a poor woman with a little new-born baby and six children huddled into one bed to keep from freezing for they have no fire. They're suffering cold and hunger. Oh, my girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present? JO I'm so glad you came back before we started. MRS. MARCH I knew you would. AMY May I carry some things, Marmee? MRS. MARCH We should all go. Take the coffee, Hannah. JO I'll get some firewood. MEG I'll take the greens. BETH I'll take the bread. AMY I'll take the pop-overs.(In the room of Mrs. Hummel) MRS. MARCH Here we are, Mrs. Hummel. MRS. HUMMEL Ach, Gott in himmel. Good angles come to us. JO Funny angels in hoods and mittens. GIRLS You want some bread to eat? Here, I'll give you some_c. Look here. (Lots of chatter)** (00:25:35)** (The play. Clapping of hands)** (00:26:03)** AMY Strange. Roderigo is not here. His note says "promptly on the hour". Voice backstage And why? AMY And why? That's Hugo's castle for the tryst. Oh I am afraid. Who comes here? BETH Ah, your highness. 'Tis Mona, the hag. MARGARET: Hugo hath betrayed me. VOICE I must fly. JO Haha. Zara will be waiting. Haha. My proud beauty. Haha. She will be mine. Black Hugo approaches. Haha. With ere I be flown. Be gone. Haha_c. Ah-hah! AMY Roderigo! Roderigo! Save me! Save me! Ah_c. JO And now to carry out my fell design. What a fake! AMY Well, I told you I wasn't going to make myself_c. JO Sh_c MEG Come on. Get on the window sill. AMY Have pity! Oh, have pity! Bring not upon me the worst of shame. JO Turn, else you ruin the day you spurn Black Hugo's love. Make thyself ready for a wedding. I shall return within the quarter. AMY Oh me. Oh, heaven. Protect the helpless. JO Zara! My beloved! AMY Roderigo! D'ost I believe my eyes? JO (Roderigo sings and plays guitar. Audience applauds.) Hurry, my fair. The good padre waits at yonder gate with the horses. See, the ladder. All is arranged. Liberty! Fly with me. Fly with me, my love. I will assist you. I will _c oh_c. VOICE Everything's alright. JO It's alright, everyone. Stay where you are. (Great confusion)** (00:29:23)** HANNAH Young ladies, will you all please come in to supper. (Everyone talking joyously together.)** JO Christopher Columbus! What's this? AMY Is it fairies? BETH It's Santa Claus. MEG Mother did it. JO Aunt March had a good fit and sent it. MRS. MARCH All wrong. Mr. Laurence sent it. AMY Oh, no.LITTLE GIRL Who's Mr. Laurence? JO The Laurence boy's grandfather. He lives next door. MRS. MARCH He heard what you did about your breakfast and sent me a nice note this afternoon saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feelings toward my children and send them a few trifles in honor of the day. JO The boy put it into his head. I know he did. He looks like a capital fellow, and I'm dying to get acquainted. I'm going to, too. BETH Oh, I wish father were here. I'm afraid he isn't having such a merry Christmas as we are. (Jo throws snowball on Laurie Laurence's window.)** (00:30:58)** LAURIE Hello. JO How do you do? I wanted to thank you. We did have such a good time over your nice Christmas present. What's the matter? Are you sick? LAURIE Just a little cold, but Grandfather's made me stop indoors for a week. JO Oh, that's too bad. Can anybody come to see you? LAURIE If they would. JO Wait. I'll ask Marmee. Close the window though. (Jo rings door bell)** LAURIE How do you do, Miss March? JO How do you do, Mr. Laurence? Mother was so sorry to hear that you'd been ill. My sister, Meg, sent you some of her "blanc- mange". It is soft and will slide down easily without hurting your throat. LAURIE Thank you. JO And _c um _c Beth lent you these until you're will. I _c I know boys don't like kittens but she was so anxious I_c. I couldn't refuse. LAURIE Well, maybe they'll help to liven things up. It's as dull as tombs over here. JO Huh?! LAURIE Won't you come in? JO Oh, no. No, I'm not to stay. LAURIE Oh, please. Just for a few minutes. I've ordered tea. JO Oh? _c Christopher Columbus! What richness. Oh! Just like summer. Oh! This is marvelous. Oh, it's so roomy. Oh_c. LAURIE How many, please? JO Two, please. Three. And how do you like it here, after living in Europe so long, Mr. Laurence? LAURIE Oh_c. JO I'm going to Europe. LAURIE Really? When? JO I don't know. You see, my Aunt March has rheumatism, and her doctor thought that the baths_c. Oh, not that she hasn't a bath_c. She has a very nice one. Did you take any baths while you were there? I mean, for rheumatism. LAURIE No. No, I'm not troubled with rheumatism. JO Nope. Neither am I. But she thought that the baths wouldn't do me any harm. I mean, that is to say, while I was there. You see, I've always wanted to go to Europe. Not for the baths, of course. But for my writing. You see, my Aunt March _c_c. Oh, but you don't know Aunt March, do you? Ah well, never mind. Now, what were you saying, Mr. Laurence? LAURIE I'm not Mr. Laurence. I'm only Laurie. JO Well, Laurie. Well, how do you like it here after Europe? LAURIE Well, it's strange after living in schools all my life. Oh, it'll be alright_c when I get used to grandfather. You know, he's _c JO Oh, yes! You should have seen him before you came. LAURIE Isn't he a holy terror? JO Oh, you oughta see my Aunt March! LAURIE Oh, it's too pretty to eat. I wish we had things like this over here. JO And I wish _c. It is nice, isn't it? My little sister put on the geranium leaves. She's very artist. LAURIE Amy? JO Yes. How do you know? LAURIE Why, I often hear you calling to one another. And_c when I'm alone over here, I _c I beg you pardon for being so rude, but _c sometimes you forget to put down the curtain. When the lamps are lighted, its like looking at a picture to see you all around the table with your Mother. You always seem to be having such good times. JO We'll never draw that curtain anymore. And I give you leave to look as much as you like. I wish, though, instead of just peeping, you'd come over and see us. We'd have jolly times together. LAURIE And would you let me be in a play? I saw some of it the other night. JO Oh, that was terrible. I want to put on "Hamlet" though, and do the fencing scene. LAURIE I could do Laertes. I took fencing lessons at the academy. JO Really? LAURIE Yes! Look! Look! On guard! (00:35:05)** JO Splendid! LAURIE Here. JO Oh! "Come, for the third, Laertes: you but dally." LAURIE "Say you so. Come on." JO "A hit; what say you?" LAURIE "A touch. A touch. I do confess." MR. LAURENCE What is this? What on earth? What's going on? MR. BROOKE: Don't know, sir? LAURIE "Have at you, now." JO Oh? LAURIE Oh, I say. Oh, I say. You hurt? JO Oh, no. Nothing ever hurts me. LAURIE I'm sorry. I forgot you're a girl, and I'm afraid I got a bit too rough. JO Oh, what are you talking about? Oh, I had you bettered, if I hadn't slipped. Oh, that's _c that's a good picture of your grandfather. He looks pretty grim, but I shouldn't be afraid of him. Though I can see how his face might frighten some people. (00:36:02)** MR. BROOKE: I'll wait upstairs, sir. JO His eyes are kind and I like him, though he does bark at you so. MR. LAURENCE Thank you, ma'am. So you're not afraid of me, eh? JO No, sir. Not much. MR. LAURENCE But my face will frighten some people. JO Oh, I_c. I only said "might", sir. MR. LAURENCE And I bark, do I? JO Oh, no, sir. Perhaps not all the time. MR. LAURENCE But with all that you like me, eh? JO Oh, yes, sir. I do. I do. I do. MR. LAURENCE And I like you. JO Oh, sir. LAURIE Grandfather, you should see her fence. Come on, let's show him. JO Oh, no. I've been here too long now. LAURIE Well, I'll see you home. MR. LAURENCE Oh, no, no, no. You stay indoors, young man. I shall see Miss March home. I want to pay my respects to your mother and thank her for the medicine she sent my boy. I can see it's done him lots of good. You get upstairs and do your sums. Brooke is waiting for you, and see you behave yourself like a gentleman, sir. LAURIE Good bye, Jo. (00:37:25)** (Inside the March house)** (00:37:27)** HANNAH Here they come. Here they come. All dressed up and looking as pretty as pictures. MRS. MARCH Oh, Amy. How dainty! You look lovely. BETH Oh, Marmee, I wish Laurie hadn't asked me to his party. I know I shall be frightened. MRS. MARCH You wouldn't want to hurt his feelings when he's been so kind. Oh, Meg, the dress is lovely. Meg: Thank you, Marmee. MRS. MARCH Jo, you look splendid. JO Well, I feel perfectly miserable with 19 hairpins all sticking straight into my head. But, dear me. Let us be elegant or die. MRS. MARCH Does the patch show much? MEG It does a little, Marmee. But she's going to sit down or stand with her back against the wall. Jo, where are your gloves? JO Oh, well, I've stained them so I'm gonna go without. MEG You wear gloves, or I don't go. HANNAH I tried to clean them bit it only made them look worse. JO Oh, here. I'll carry them. I'll hold them crumpled up in one hand. Nobody'll see them. MEG Oh, Jo. JO Well I'll tell you. We'll each wear one of your nice ones and carry one of my bad ones. Then the effect will be fine and easy. MEG All right. Only be careful of it. And don't stretch it. And Jo dear, do behave nicely and don't put your hands behind your back. Good night, Marmee. MARMEE Have a nice time, dear. AMY And above everything, don't say "Christopher Columbus" and disgrace us all. JO Oh, hold you tongue, Miss Baby. I'll be as prim as I can be, and not get into any scrapes_c if I can help it. (00:38:53)** (Dancing)** (00:39:39)** MAN May I engage you for this dance, Miss March? JO No, thank you. I'm not dancing. AMY There's that Kitty Ford. BETH Where? AMY There, with the pink dress and the blue sash. I don't see why she's allowed with the grow-ups and I have to stay up here. BETH Oh, that beautiful piano. It's as big as our kitchen. MR. LAURENCE Um_c What's this? Why aren't you two young ladies downstairs dancing? AMY Mother said we weren't to go down with the grown-ups. MR. LAURENCE But can you see anything from here? How about you? AMY She just likes to listen to the music. MR. LAURENCE You just come down with me where it's playing. BETH Oh, no. No, sir. Please. MR. LAURENCE Why not? Well, my dear child, what's the matter? AMY She has an infirmity. MR. LAURENCE Mmm? AMY She's shy. MR. LAURENCE Oh, I see. AMY If it weren't for that, she'd be simply fastitidious because she plays beautifully. MR. LAURENCE Oh, she must come and play for me sometime. AMY No. She never would. MR. LAURENCE Oh, it wasn't that I wanted to hear her, but that piano down there is simply going to ruin for want of use. I was hoping one you young ladies would come and practice on it. Just_c. Just to keep it in tune, you know. Well, if you don't care to come, never mind. BETH Oh, sir. We do care, very, very much. MR. LAURENCE So. So you're the musical one. BETH I'm Beth. I love it dearly and I'll come if you're quite sure no- one will hear me and be disturbed. MR. LAURENCE Not a soul, my child. Not a soul. You come too, young lady. And tell your mother I think all her daughters are simply "fastidious". AMY Beth, isn't he elegant? (00:41:47)** LAURIE This is the German, and I'll be hanged if I let you refuse me all of them. JO Oh, no. No. LAURIE Don't you like to dance? JO Oh, yes. I love to dance, but I can't. I _c I mean, I promised I wouldn't. LAURIE Why? JO Oh, well, I may as well tell you. You won't tell? LAURIE Silence to the death. JO Well, you see, I have a bad trick of standing in front of the fire and I scorch my frocks, and I burned this one. LAURIE Where? JO Oh, you can laugh if you want to. It is funny. LAURIE Look! I'll tell you how we can manage. There's no one in the hall. We can dance out there without being seen. JO You're a Champ. LAURIE This is regularly splendid. Oh. Thank you. (Dancing)** (00:42:55)** JO Oh, hello. LAURIE What are you two doing up there? Come on down. AMY No. LAURIE Well, have you had refreshments? BETH No, thank you. We really don't care for _c. Ouh! LAURIE We'll bring some right up. Come on. (In the garden)** MEG And then when Laurie goes to college, what becomes of you? MR. BROOKE: I shall turn soldier as soon as he is off. I'm needed. MEG Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry. I mean, I'm so sorry for all the mothers and sisters who have to stay home and worry. MR. BROOKE: I have neither. And very few friends to care whether I live or die. MEG Laurie and his grandfather would care a great deal. And we_c we all would be very sorry if any harm came to you. MR. BROOKE: Would you? (By the stairs)** JO Here we go! (Chatter)** LAURIE Oh, Jo. Jo. AMY Now you've done it! (Exclamations)** JO Meg's gloves! Oh, look at me! LAURIE What _cIt's a shame. JO What a blunder bus I am! AMY What are you going to do?(In the garden) MEG I'll ask Marmee. LAURIE Oh? Have you two been hiding. I've been looking all over the house for you. Hannah's here. MEG Oh? Is it that late? LAURIE Well, time slips away, you know? MEG Good night, Mr. Brooke. MR. BROOKE: Good night, Miss Margaret. (Picking up a glove.) Miss Margaret! (In the foyer)** (00:44:46)** BETH Good night. LAURIE Good night, Beth. I'm glad you came. AMY We had an elegant time. LAURIE Good night, Amy. Good night, Jo. MEG Good night, Laurie. LAURIE Good night, Miss Margaret. MEG Laurie _c.. LAURIE Good night, everybody. Jo: Don't forget to bring your ice-skates tomorrow. LAURIE I won't. Good night. Everybody Good night. (Jo writing)** (00:45:16)** JO There. I've done my best. If that won't do, I shall have to wait until I can do better. (Jo climbs down the outside of the house.) Why? What are you up to? BETH It's a pair of slippers I worked for Mr. Laurence. He's been so kind about letting me play on his beautiful piano. I didn't know any other way to thank him, Jo. Do you think they're alright? JO They are beautiful, and I think you are sweet. Hey, isn't that Amy's hair ribbon? BETH Yes. Yes, but I think she was going to throw it away. JO You think! You better vamoos before she catches you. (In front of Newspaper Office)** (00:46:55)** LAURIE Now I'll find out why you come down to this hole every day. Just have to tell me why you never have time for me any more. JO Laurie Laurence. Give that back to me, or I'll never speak to you again. LAURIE Alright. Hm! Take it. You're a fine one! I thought we weren't to have any secrets from each other. JO Well, this is all together different. LAURIE Ye_c Oh! JO I beg your pardon. LAURIE Sorry. LAURIE Of course it's different. Just like a girl! Can't keep an agreement. JO Oh, bilge. LAURIE You'll be sorry. I was gonna tell you something very plummy. A secret. All about people you know, and such fun. JO Oh, what? LAURIE If I tell you, you must tell me yours. JO You won't tell anything at home, will you? LAURIE Not a word. JO And you won't tease me about it in private? LAURIE I'll never tease. Fire away. JO I sold my story to the Spread Eagle. LAURIE Hurrah for Miss March! Hurrah for Miss March! The celebrated American authoress. JO I didn't want anyone to know until it's out. LAURIE Wouldn't it be fun to see it in print? JO Now, what's yours? LAURIE I know where Meg's glove is. JO Oh, is that all? LAURIE Wait till you hear where it is. JO Where? How do you know? LAURIE I saw it. JO Where? LAURIE Pocket! JO All this time? LAURIE Isn't it romantic? JO Romantic? Rubbish! I never heard of anything so horrid. I wish you hadn't told me. Of all the sickly, sentimental_c Oh why do things always have to change just when they're perfect. Meg always used to tell me everything, and now she keeps everything to herself, and thinks brown eyes are beautiful. John is a lovely name. He better keep away from me or I'll tell him what I think of him. Trying to break up other people's happiness and spoil all their fun! LAURIE It doesn't spoil any fun! Makes it twice as good! You'll find out when someone falls in love with you. Soft summer day. Sun setting through the trees. Your lover's arms steeling around you. JO I'd like to see anybody try it. LAURIE Would you? Oh!_c.. I'll get you_c... (Laurie chases Jo) Now I've got you_c.. Wait_c.. (Everyone chatters)** JO You should have seen_c. MR. BROOKE: It's been a most enjoyable afternoon, Miss Margaret. MEG Thank you. Paying visits has never been quite so much fun before. MR. BROOKE I hope we may do it again, very soon. JO Good-bye, Mr. Brooke. Come along, Meg. MEG Good afternoon, Mr. Brooke. MR. BROOKE: Good-bye, Miss Margaret. MEG Good afternoon. LAURIE Margaret. Good-bye, Jo. MR. BROOKE: Coming Laurie? LAURIE Right. See you tomorrow, Jo. MEG I've never been so embarrassed in my life. When will you stop your childish romping ways. JO Not until I'm old and stiff and have to use a crutch. (00:50:44)** (Jo wipes the tears from her face as Beth approaches)** BETH Jo. JO Hello Bethy. BETH Hello, Jo. JO How's my girl? (Chattering) GIRLS It's a surprise. (Chattering) JO What is it? Christopher Columbus! BETH For_c For me? AMY Look. This came with it. Quick. Read it. See what it says. JO I'll read it. "Miss Elizabeth March. Dear Madam." AMY Isn't that elegant. JO "I've had many pairs of slippers in my life, but none has suited as well as yours. I like to pay my debts, so I know you will allow me to send you something that belonged to the little grand- daughter I lost. With hearty thanks and best wishes. I remain your grateful friend and humble servant, James Laurence." Oh, Beth! Isn't he a really sweet old man? (Chatter) Look. It opens. It opens. AMY You'll have to thank him. BETH Yes. I'll go right now. HANNAH Well, I wish I may die. She'd never gone in her right mind. (Laurence House)** (00:52:33)** MR. LAURENCE Come in. BETH I_c I came to thank you, sir. (Joe reads her story while Amy does a drawing of the scene)** (00:53:26)** HANNAH Miss March. Miss March. It's one of them telegraph things, ma'am. MRS. MARCH It's father. AMY Mother. MRS. MARCH He's in the hospital. I must go to Washington at once. (Packing) ** MRS. MARCH Put those in the corner, dear. BETH Alright, Marmee. MRS. MARCH What on earth is keeping Joe? MEG This is all packed, Marmee. I don't believe I've forgotten a thing. MRS. MARCH Thank you, dear. Now, girls, while I'm away, don't forget the Hummels. GIRLS We won't. We'll do our best, Marmee. MR. LAURENCE Here we are. We're here to take some port to your husband. MRS. MARCH Oh. Thank you. How generous! MR. LAURENCE And I hope he finds this dressing gown useful. MRS. MARCH Thank you. MR. LAURENCE Well, everything's arranged, and Brooke will go with you. MRS. MARCH There's no need. I'll be allr_c. MR. LAURENCE Oh, he's all prepared. He has commissions for me in Washington. He'll be of help to you on the journey. MRS. MARCH How thoughtful of you! MEG It's such a relief to know that Marmee will have someone to take care of her. Thank you very, very much. MR. BROOKE: Not at all, Miss Margaret. MRS. MARCH My kind friend. I can't thank you. MR. LAURENCE Laurie's outside with the carriage. We'll wait for you. The train leaves in about an hour. HANNAH Here, ma'am. You'll need this. MRS. MARCH Oh, I couldn't. AMY Oh, Marmee. It'll quiet your nerves. MRS. MARCH Where is Jo? Jo! What kept you? AMY What ever took you so long? JO Here's the money from Aunt March. And_c um_c there's my contribution. MRS. MARCH $25. Where did you get it? My dear? JO Oh, it's mine, honestly. I only sold what belonged to me. MRS. MARCH Your hair! Jo, you shouldn't have! JO Oh well, Aunt March croaked as she always does when asked for ninepence. And Marmee, she only sent you just money enough for the ticket. And I knew you'd need more, and so, well I_c happened to be going past a barber shop, and I saw some tails on hair hanging in the window with the prices marked on them, so I thought it'd do my brain good to have my mop cut off. And so I did. MRS. MARCH Thank you, deary. (00:55:53)** LAURIE Are you ready, Marmee? We'll just have to hurry to catch_c.. Christopher Columbus! JO Well. It's boyish, becoming, and easy to keep in order. Marmee, you'll miss your train. AMY Yes, darling. MRS. MARCH Now, girls. Go on with your work as usual. GIRLS We will, Marmee. MRS. MARCH Do everything that Hannah tells you. BETH Oh, can't we go to the train with you, Marmee? MRS. MARCH No. No. I want you all to stay here and comfort each other. Meg, dear, watch over your sisters. Be patient, Jo. Beth, dear, help all you can. Amy, be obedient. No, no. I want you to stay here. I want to carry away a picture in my mind of my brave little women to take to Father. Good bye, my darlings. GIRLS Good-bye, Marmee. MRS. MARCH God bless us and keep us all. (Girls wave)** (Lying in bed)** (00:57:28)** MEG Jo, are you awake. Jo, you're crying. JO No, I'm not. MEG Don't cry, dear. Father'll be alright, and Mr. Brooke will take care of Marmee. JO I'm not crying because of that. MEG What is it then? JO My hair. (Jo reads her story) ** JO _c. "The End" (00:58:18) ** AMY Oh, it gives me the shivers. I'm pins and needles all over. MEG It's so exciting and so sad. Who wrote it? LAURIE Your sister. GIRLS Really? Jo? Oh, no! You did? Let me see. LAURIE And I knew it all the time. MEG Isn't that wonderful. AMY Here it is. "By Miss Josephine March." Oh, Jo! I can't believe it. Beth! Beth! Jo wrote a story. It's in the papers. Isn't that marvelous. Look. BETH Don't come near me. AMY Meg. Jo. Something's wrong with Beth. MEG What is it? AMY I don't know. MEG Where is she? AMY In Marmee's cupboard. LAURIE What's wrong? Why'd she go in there? JO Darling, what is it? Bethy, what is it? MEG What's wrong, Bethy? JO What is it? BETH Oh, Jo. The baby's dead. JO What baby? BETH Mrs. Hummel's. It died in my lap before she _c. before she got back with the doctor. Jo! JO Oh my poor Beth. BETH The doctor said it was _c.. it was scarlet fever. MEG Scarlet Fever? AMY Hannah! Hannah! BETH You don't think I'll get it, do you, Jo? JO Oh, no, Bethy. Of course you won't. BETH But_c. But Amy must keep away, cause_c_c cause she's never had it. How does it start, Jo? With a sort of a_c a headache? and sore throat? and _c and queer feelings all over? JO I don't remember. Laurie, give me that doctor's book, will you? MEG Jo, I think we'd better get her to bed. Come along, Bethy. JO I'll find out what to do. BETH I'll be alright, Meg. MEG Come on Bethy. LAURIE Of course you'll be alright. JO Oh, here it is. HANNAH For land's sakes! Go get Doctor Bangs, will you, Mr. Laurence? LAURIE Alright. HANNAH Have him come over as soon as he can. LAURIE Yes. HANNAH You stay down here Amy. You're to go over to Aunt Mrch's for a spell, just in case. AMY No, I won't. I won't. I'm going to stay right here with Beth. JO Oh, be quiet for once, Amy. AMY I'm not going to be sent away as though I were in the way. LAURIE Well, I advise you to go. Scarlet Fever's no joke, miss. AMY Well, I don't care. LAURIE Oh. AMY I'd rather get Scarlet Fever and die, than go to Aunt March's. LAURIE Now, Amy. Be a good girl. I'll pop around every day and tell you how Beth is. And I'll tell you what! Every day I'll come and take you out driving. Mm? AMY Well _c.. Yes. LAURIE That's our girl! JO Oh, Bethy. If you should really be ill, I'll never forgive myself. I let you go to the Hummels every day when I should have gone. MEG No, it's my fault. I'm the oldest, and I should have gone. I promised Marmee I'd look after you. Don't you think we ought to telegraph her. HANNAH No. We mustn't. The poor lady can't leave you father. And it would only make her all the more anxious. BETH Oh, please don't telegraph, Jo. Hannah knows just what to do. I _c. I feel better already. (Doctor by Beth's side) ** (01:01:48) ** DR. BANGS If Mrs. March can leave her husband, we'd better send for her. HANNAH The girls had the telegram all ready, but I wouldn't let them send it, and now the poor lady _c. JO Oh, Mother! Mother! What if she shouldn't get here in time? (Jo runs up to the attic) ** (01:03:00) ** LAURIE Oh, Jo, is it that bad? JO She doesn't know me. She doesn't look like my Beth. How am I gonna bear it? Marmee and Father being so far away. LAURIE I'm here. Hold on to me. Jo, dearest. Oh, poor Jo. You're all worn out. What does the doctor say? JO We're sending for Marmee. If she were only here. LAURIE She will be. Grandfather and I got fidgety and thought your mother ought to know. She'd just never forgive us if Beth _c well, if anything happened, so I telegraphed yesterday. JO You? LAURIE She'll be here on the two o'clock train tonight, and I'm going to meet her. JO Oh, Laurie. Oh, Mother. Oh. Oh, I beg your pardon, but you're such a dear. I couldn't help flying at you. LAURIE Fly at me again. I rather like it. JO Laurie, you're so silly. LAURIE I better go. Well. To the railroad station! And _c And I shan't spare the horses. JO Oh, bless you, Laurie. Bless you. (Jo kneels to prey) ** JO If you really want Bethy, please wait until Marmee comes home. But, oh God, please don't _c because she's so _c well, please don't_c (Jo paces the room) ** (01:06:06) ** MEG If God spares Bethy, I'll love him, and serve him all my life. JO If life is as hard as this, I don't see how we ever should get through it. MEG Hannah! Hannah! HANNAH What is it? What is it? JO Good-bye, my Bethy. Good-bye. DR. BANGS The fever's turned. She's sleeping naturally. HANNAH Lord be praised. JO Marmee's here. She's come. (Downstairs) ** (01:07:56) ** AMY Isn't it wonderful to have Bethy downstairs at last. Come on. Everything's all ready. Be careful. (Jubilant chatter) ** JO And see the lovely flowers that Mr. Laurence sent you. BETH Oh. And my bird_c I've never been so happy. LAURIE Begging you pardon. Do the Marches live here? GIRLS Hello. LAURIE Wait'll she sees what I brought for her. GIRLS Oh, Father. (Jubilant chatter) ** MEG Bethy. HANNAH Land sakes! She's walking. MRS. MARCH Oh, my dear. MR. MARCH My Bethy. BETH Father. MRS. MARCH Oh, my darling. AMY She hasn't walked since she was sick. She ? downstairs. (Meg humming a tune) ** (01:09:50) ** JO Are you expecting someone? MEG Why_c Why, no. What do you mean? JO Meg. Meg. Why can't we stay as we are? Do you have to go and fall in love, and spoil all our peace, and fun and happy times together. You're not like your old self a bit. And you_c. you're getting so far away from me, I _c Oh, Meg. Don't. Don't go and marry that man. MEG I don't intend to go and marry any man. And if you mean Mr. Brooke, he hasn't asked me. But if he should, I shall merely say, quite calmly and decidedly, "I'm sorry, but I agree with Mother that it's too soon." JO Oh, Meg. Hoorah for you. MEG Jo. My hair. JO And then things'll be as they used to be. And now that Father's home, well _c (Door bell rings) ** (01:11:02) ** JO I'll go. I'll get out of the way. Now don't forget. Oh! If I could only see his face when you tell him. (01:11:17) ** MEG Why, Mr. Brooke. MR. BROOKE: Good day, Miss Margaret. MEG Won't you come in? MR. BROOKE: I _c I came to get my umbrella. .. er_c. that is _c.. that is, to see how your father finds himself today. MEG Why_c he's here in the rack. I mean, it's very well. I mean _c.. I'll tell him you're here. MR. BROOKE: Oh, please. Are you afraid of me, Margaret? MEG Why _c. How could I be, when you've been so kind to father. I only wish I could thank you for it. MR. BROOKE: You can. Shall I tell you how? MEG Oh, no. Oh, please don't. MR. BROOKE: I only want to know if you care for me a little, Meg. I love you so much, dear. MEG Oh, thank you, John. But _c. I agree with Mother. It's _c. It's too soon. MR. BROOKE: I'll wait. I don't mind how long or how hard I have to work, if I can only know I'm to have my reward in the end. Please. Give me a little hope. MEG I'm afraid I can't. MR. BROOKE: Do you really mean that? (01:12:30) ** AUNT MARCH Huh? What's this? Footsy, wootsy. Get along. Get along. Shi! Shi! What's going on here? Who's that? MEG Mr. Brooke. AUNT MARCH The Laurence's boy's tutor. Then it's true. MEG Shh. Please, Aunt March. He might hear you. And he's been very kind to father. AUNT MARCH Oh? He has? Well, he'd be much kinder if he'd go about his own business and leaves you alone. MEG Shh. AUNT MARCH I won't stop! I'm only thinking of your own good, Margaret. You should take a rich man so you can help you family. This person has no money, no position in life. MEG Oh. But that doesn't mean he never will have AUNT MARCH Oh? So he's counting on my money? He knows you've got rich relatives! MEG Aunt March! How dare you say such a thing! My John wouldn't marry for money any more that I would. I'm not afraid of being poor. And I know we shall be happy, because John loves me, and_c and I love him. (01:13:17) ** AUNT MARCH Hoity, toity! You remember this, young lady. If you marry this rook, a hawk, a crook, you take care of you. Not one penny of my money will he get. MR. BROOKE: My darling! Did you mean it? MEG John? ** MR. BROOKE: I came back for my umbrella, and I couldn't help hearing. Then you will give me leave to work for you, and love you. MEG Yes, John. (Wedding ceremony) ** (01:14:03) ** MINISTER And there to have given and pledged their troth each to the other. And have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands. I pronounce that they are Man and Wife. In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. God, the Father. God, the Son. God, the Holy Ghost. Bless, preserve, and keep you. That ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come, ye may have life everlasting. Amen. MEG The first kiss for Marmee. AUNT MARCH Well, John. You've got a treasure. I hope you you'll take good care of her. LAURIE Good-bye, Amy. Bethy, good-bye. Oh. Don't mind, Jo. You've still go me. Oh. I'm not good for much, I know. But, I'll stand by you, all the days of my life.1:16:16 JO I know you will. You don't know what a comfort you are to me, Laurie. LAURIE Jo. JO Oh, no. Laurie. Don't say anything. LAURIE I will. And you must hear me. It's no use, Jo. You've kept away from me, ever since I got back from College. And I studied so hard. And I got graduated with Honors. It was all for you. JO I know. And I'm so proud of you. LAURIE Then won't you listen. Please. Oh. I've loved you ever since I've known you. I couldn't help it. I tried to show it, but you wouldn't let me. But now I'm going to make you hear and give me an answer for I just can't go on so any longer. I know I'm not half good enough for you. But, if you love me, you could make me anything you like. JO As though I'd change you, Laurie. Darling, you should marry _c. You should marry some lovely accomplished girl who adores you. Someone who would grace your beautiful house. I shouldn't. I loathe elegant society, and you like it. And you hate my scribbling, and I can't get on without it. And we should quarrel. LAURIE Oh, no, we shouldn't. JO Oh, yes. We always have. And everything would be so horrid if we were ever foolish enough to _c. LAURIE Marry? Oh, no. It wouldn't be, Jo. It'd be heaven. Oh, don't disappoint us, dear. Don't. Everyone expects it. Grandfather's set his heart on it, and I just can't go on without you. Please, say you will. (01:18:02) ** JO I can't. Oh, Laurie. I'm sorry. So desperately sorry. I'm so grateful to you, and so proud, and fond of you. I don't know why I can't love you the way you want me to. I've tried. But I can't change the feeling. And it'll be a lie to say I do if I don't. LAURIE Really truly, Jo? JO Really truly, dear. I don't think I'll ever marry. LAURIE Oh, yes. You will. Yes, you will. You'll meet some good-for- nothing, no-account idiot, and you'll fall in love with him, and work and live and die for him. I know you will. It's your way. And I'll have to stand by and see it. Well, I'll be hanged if I do! JO Laurie, where are you going? LAURIE To the devil, and I hope you'll be sorry. JO Laurie, please _c. (Jo at window sill) ** (01:19:42) ** MRS. MARCH Jo, why aren't you in bed? It's late. JO Mother. Mother, I _c I want to go away. I mean, just for a little while. I don't know. I _c I feel restless, and anxious to be doing something. I'd like to hop a little way, and try my wings. MRS. MARCH Where would you hop? JO To New York. Oh, I've thought about it a lot lately. You can spare me now, and I can go to Mrs. Kirke's and help her with the children for part of my board. It wouldn't cost much and I'd_c. I'd see and hear new things and get _c. get a lot of new ideas for my stories. MRS. MARCH I don't doubt it. Jo, nothing's happened between you and Laurie? Don't be surprised, dear. Mother's have to have sharp eyes, especially when their daughters keep their troubles to themselves. JO Oh, Marmee. I would have told you. Only I thought it would blow over. And _c it seemed kind of wrong to tell Laurie's poor little secret. Oh. It's only that he's go a foolish romantic notion in his head, and I think _c. I think that if I go away for a time, he may get over it. MRS. MARCH I see. And how do you feel about this foolish romantic notion? JO I love him dearly, as I always have. And I feel as though I've _c as though I've stabbed my dearest friend. And yet, I _c I don't want to make a mistake. MRS. MARCH You're right, Jo. I think it would be a good idea for both your sakes. Now come to bed dear. I'll talk to father about it. If he agrees, we'll write to Mrs. Kirke. Good night. JO Good night, Marmee. (01:21:52) ** (in New York) ** (01:21:58) ** MRS. KIRKE Now, my dear, I think I've told you everything. And it shall be a great load off my mind knowing the children are safe with you. I'm very busy, so I'll have Mamie show you to your room. Mamie! I've given you a little inside room. It's all I have. But it has a table, and you can use it for your writing. JO That's good. MRS. KIRKE Mamie! You must come down here some after dinner and be sociable. I promised your mother I wouldn't let you get homesick. And I've only the most refined people in my house. Mamie! MAMIE Here I am, Mrs. Kirke. MRS. KIRKE Oh, Mamie. This is Miss Josephine. Will you take her up to her room and find the children. MAMIE Yes. Ma'am. MRS. KIRKE I'll see you later, my dear. MAMIE Ah, right this way, please. Children, children. They ain't a bad lot, but all my stars, they take a deal o' handling. Minnie. Kitty. You heard me. Come on out. I know where you are. (01:23:08) ** CHILDREN (Scream) TINA He's gonna get me. He's gonna get me. Eat Mamie, don't eat my baby. (01:23:25) ** MAMIE Professor. Professor. PROFESSOR Oh. Oh, I beg your pardon, please. I'm so sorry. MAMIE This is Miss. Josephine. What's got you in charge now. And this is Professor Bhaer. PROFESSOR How do you do? JO How do you do? TINA I want to play some more. PROFESSOR Oh, that is for Miss Josephine to say. But I'm afraid we frightened her already. JO Oh, no. But I didn't expect to meet a grizzly bear in the upper hall. PROFESSOR Ha, ha, ha, yes. Oh, no, no, Mamie, wait, wait. The back is too young to carry such a heavy load. Come on, children, let's play soldiers. Tina, you're the general. You are the captain, and here lieutenant. Forward, march. So we sing the chorus, from Atlanta to the sea, while we are marching to the linen closet. MAMIE Oh, he's such a lovely man. I know he must have been a gentleman sometime or other. But he's as poor as a church mouse now. JO What does he do? MAMIE Oh, he's_che's a professor, see. You know, learns 'em how they talk in foreign countries. I don't know what good it does 'em when they're livin' right here. (01:23:25) ** (01:23:25) 1:26:24 ** PROFESSOR Oh, oh, good evening, my little friend. Good evening. JO Please don't stop. It was beautiful. I've heard you play it often and wanted to ask you what it was. I'd so like to send it to my little sister. PROFESSOR "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt." The words are by Goethe. Do you speak German? Oh, well, then I better give it to you in English. Let me see now. Ah, "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt" Yah, yah, yah. "Only who knows what longing is can know what I suffer." ""weiŸA_Awas ich leide"_@ "Alone and parted far from joy and gladness. My senses fail. Burning fire devours me". JO My senses fail. A burning fire devours me. I know how he felt. PROFESSOR Tchaikovsky did also. That's why he wrote this beautiful heart- breaking music. JO Oh, if only I could write something like that. Something splendid that would set other hearts on fire. PROFESSOR That is genius. Ah, you wish to write, my little friend? JO Yes, that's my longing. I've sold two stories already since I've been here. PROFESSOR Oh, that's very good. I like to read them. May I? JO Oh, would you? I'd so like to know your opinion. PROFESSOR Oh, I would be very happy. You have that ardent spirit, right? I like that. JO Oh, what shall I ask for at the music shop? PROFESSOR "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt". JO "Nur wer die_c" PROFESSOR "Sehnsucht" JO "Sehnsucht" PROFESSOR Haha. I think I better write it down for you. Oh, no. Here is a teacher without pencil? JO Oh, let me sew that button for you, before you lose it. PROFESSOR Oh, no. I sew on buttons. I, I _c JO Not very well, evidently. PROFESSOR Well, (in the nursery) ** (01:29:24) ** JO Who was Goldilocks? A little girl? TINA Yes. JO And she_c TINA And she_c JO _cwent into their house. TINA _cwent into their, into their house. JO _cand saw three chairs. TINA _cand saw three chairs. JO _cthree chairs. TINA _cthree chairs. One was a baby one. One was the Daddy one. And one was the Mommy one. JO Uh huh. So she sat down in the big one. TINA And it was too hard and she_c MAMIE Miss Josephine, you're to go down to the parlor right away. Someone to see you. JO Who is it? MAMIE I can't tell you. It's a surprise. JO All right, children, that'll be all for today. Now run along and wash your hands and faces for tea. TINA I'll tell you the story tomorrow. JO All right. Who is it, Mamie? MAMIE I can't tell you. It's a surprise. Is these some of your new stories? Oh, they look creepier than Duke Storber. Can I read them? JO Yes, if you want to. MAMIE "The Priest of the Coventries" or "the Secret of a Guilty Heart" by Josephine March. (Down in the parlor) ** (01:30:43) ** JO Then it's true. Amy. AMY Darling. JO Oh, ma_c AUNT MARCH Now, Josephine. JO Oh, I'm so glad to see you. AUNT MARCH Sit down here. JO Tell me everything. AUNT MARCH We can't stop now. We've got to get to the shipping office 'fore it closes. JO Shipping office, Aunt March? Europe? AUNT MARCH Taking Amy with me. Well, maybe you can go next time. JO Next time? Well, tell me, um, is Meg all right and, and Mummy and father? And how's my Beth? AMY She's better again but she isn't rosy as she used to be. JO Oh, my poor Beth. Why doesn't she get strong? And, and Laurie? AMY Why didn't you see them when they were here? He and his grandfather have been in Europe for weeks. JO Laurie in New York? And didn't come to see me? AUNT MARCH I'm sure you can't blame him. After the way you picked up and trotted off without so much as saying good bye to any of us. I think you've treated everybody shamefully. Come along, Amy. AMY Oh, Jo, dear. I, I wish it were you. I know how you've always longed to go. JO Oh, no, darling. It's your award. You've always done sweet things to please Aunt March, and think of all the wonderful things you're going to see. The 'Turner's, and 'LaFiero's, and 'Leonardo's. AUNT MARCH Amy, you seem to forget waiting cabs cost money. That's the trouble with folks who never had anything. Easy come, easy go. Be right back, Josephine. JO Good bye, darling. (01:33:04) ** PROFESSOR Miss Josephine, Miss Josephine. JO Yes, Professor Bhaer. PROFESSOR I have read your stories, and I would like to return them to you. Will you please come in? JO Ah, yes. Thank you. Did you like them? PROFESSOR Well, Miss March, I must be honest. I was disappointed. Why do you write such artificial characters, such, such artificial plots, villains, murderers, and, and, and such women? Why don't you write a_c? JO (cries) PROFESSOR What? Oh, Miss March, please. I'm so sorry now. Oh, I didn't want to hurt you. I, I wanted to help you. What a blundering fool I_c JO No, it isn't that. Oh, please don't pay any attention to me, please. PROFESSOR Oh. Forgive me. Now. Please come, sit down. What?. Forgive me. JO Oh, no, no. It is just that everything seems to come at once. Oh, the rest doesn't matter so much. I can bear that. But Laurie, I can never get over Laurie. PROFESSOR Oh, herr Laurie. Your friend? Something has happened to him? JO Yes. PROFESSOR Oh. JO Oh, no, no, no. Something's happened to me. He came to New York and he didn't even come to see me. PROFESSOR What a fool he must be! JO Oh, no. No, it's my fault. But I thought that_cOh, why does it matter what I thought? I made a mess of it as I do of everything. But I have tried. And when I think of Aunt March taking Amy to Europe, when she always promised she'd take me. Not that I begrudge Amy the trip, but_c. Well, I suppose that's just what I'm just doing. PROFESSOR Oh, that trip to Europe. That's you so looked forward to. That is too bad. That is a cruel disappointment, I know. And on top of it, that stupid professor comes blundering and makes things worse. JO Oh, no, no. No, if I can't stand the truth, I'm worth anything. Oh, I didn't think those stories were so very good. But you see, well, the Duke's Daughter paid the butcher's bill and the Curse of the Coventries was the blessing of the Marches, because it sent Marmee and Beth to the seashore. PROFESSOR Yes, that's what I have thought. And then, I had said to myself. I, I maybe have no_c no right to speak. But then again, I said to myself I maybe have no right to be silent. For Miss March, you have talent. JO No. Do you really think so? PROFESSOR Otherwise, I could not say it. And you know it. Und I say to you. Sweep mud on the street first before you are false to that talent. Say to yourself, "I will never write one single line which I have not heard in my own heart." Say to yourself, "While I am young, I will write these simple beautiful things that I understand now, and, and maybe later, when I'm a little bit older, and I have, have felt life more, then I will write about these poor wretches, but I will make them live and, and breathe like my Shakespeare did." Will you do that, my little friend? JO Oh, yes. I'll try, but I don't think I'll ever be a Shakespeare. Do you? PROFESSOR But you can be a Josephine March. And I assure you that is plenty. JO Ah. PROFESSOR Oh, and now don't be disappointed about that trip. No. Here. JO Oh, peppermint. Good. PROFESSOR Those of us who have been all over the old world can find many things here in the new that are beautiful and young if_cMiss March, it would give me a great pleasure if I could show you some of these things while you are here if you would care to have so. And_c JO Oh, thank you. PROFESSOR Well, then you are not angry with the blundering professor who takes the wrong times for his lectures. JO How could I be? PROFESSOR Auf Wiedersehen, my little friend. (After the Opera) ** (01:37:50) ** PROFESSOR Did you really like it? JO I've never had so much fun. PROFESSOR I'm so happy, my little friend. JO She was divine. I don't want to be a writer any more. I want to be a wonderful singer. And thrill thousands of people so that they cheer and throw flowers at me. Like that. PROFESSOR Oh, Bravo, bravo. But I wouldn't make up my mind so soon. Because at the art museum you wanted to be a sculptor, and at the circus you thought the bareback rider was the most beautiful thing in the world. JO I know but to sing like that. (sings) Oh, I forgot. Oh, there's something inside me tonight that makes me want to shout. PROFESSOR And what would you shout? JO I'd say, "Look at me, world. I'm Jo March, and I'm so happy." Oh. PROFESSOR My little friend so happy. Then you haven't missed much lately your home and your old friends? JO But you, you're responsible for that. Oh, but maybe they haven't missed me so much, either. They're so busy with Meg and those blessed babies. PROFESSOR Yes, yes. How are those remarkable twins. JO Wonderful. Meg is so proud of them. La, la, la_c PROFESSOR Have you heard from Europe? JO Yes. Nearly every boat brings a letter from Amy. La, la, la_c PROFESSOR And your friend? Her Laurie, have you heard from him? JO Only through Amy. They met at Vichy and had a wonderful time together. PROFESSOR Miss March, I am going to ask a favor of you. Could you give me the address of your father? I wish to write him and ask him something. JO Why, yes. He'd , he'd be so happy to hear from you. They almost know you. I've told them all about you and they always ask after you in their letters. PROFESSOR Oh, really? JO Yes. Now I'll show you. PROFESSOR This is so nice. Not, I hope. JO It's Beth. She's_c Oh, I, I must go at once. PROFESSOR Oh, my friend, can I do something for you? I am, I am sure there is something I can do. JO No, there's, there's nothing. Thank you. (At home) ** (01:41:11) ** BETH Oh, Jo, to think you're home. If Amy were here, we'd all be together. JO She'll be home in the spring, darling. And I'm going to have you all well and rosy by then. BETH Oh, poor Jo. You mustn't be afraid. Doesn't that sound funny, me saying that to you, when you've always said it to me. Ah, you've always reminded me of a sea gull, Jo. Strong and wild, and fond of the wind and storm, dreaming of flying far out to sea. And Mother always said that I was like a little cricket, chirping contentedly on the hearth, never able to bear the thought of leaving home. But now, it's different. I, I can't express it very well. I shouldn't try to. Anyone but you. Because I, I can't speak out to anyone but my Jo. But I'm not afraid any more. I'm learning that I don't lose you. That you'll be more to me than ever. And nothing can part us. Though it seems to. Oh, Jo, I think I'll be homesick for you_ceven in heaven. (by Beth's bed) ** BETH Little love. (Everyone around Beth's bed.) ** MEG I'm afraid they're tiring you. BETH Oh, no. MEG But it's time for my little regiment to take its nap. BETH They're sweet. I think I can sleep now. Oh, look, Jo. My birds. They got back in time. JO Bethy, Bethy. Mother! MRS. MARCH Bethy. MR. MARCH My daughter. MRS. MARCH Bethy, Bethy. JO No, no. Marmee. No. We mustn't cry. We must be glad she's well at last. No, Marmee, don't cry. (In Europe) ** (01:45:32) ** AMY If only there were another boat leaving sooner. AUNT MARCH Now, my dear, you've been so brave. You must be patient. We're going back on the very first boat. I still think you should obey your mother and stay. AMY I know, but I'm sick for home, Aunt March. I hate all this now. If it weren't for this, I'd have been there at least to say good bye. Laurie, Laurie. Oh, I knew you'd come. MR. LAURENCE My child. AMY Mr. Laurence. LAURIE Amy, we were in Germany dear, and Marmee's letter had to be forwarded, but I came the moment I got it, because, well, you must comfort me now, too. AUNT MARCH I'm thankful you're here. I haven't known what to do with the child. Perhaps you can persuade her to stay. (Jo ironing on the porch) ** JO Ah, the elegant young matron. MEG Hello, Jo, dear. I'm setting off in the little carriage and I'm going to make some calls. JO And you want me to mind the little demons for you while you are gone? MEG No. I want you go with me? Oh, do dear. It's a lovely day and I want to talk with you. JO Well, talk to me now. You know I can't bare calls. MEG How's your story coming? JO Sent it off yesterday. MEG Without us reading it? JO Well, you can read it when they send it back. MEG Oh, Jo, I had a letter from Amy. JO So did Marmee. MEG They're in Val Rosa now, she say it's at a paradise. Jo, I want to ask you something. I've been wondering. How would you feel if, if you should hear that your Laurie were learning to care for somebody else? JO Meg, who? Amy? MEG Of course I don't know. I, I can't be sure. I'm only reading between the lines. Then you wouldn't mind? JO Oh, no, Meg. How could I? I think it would be wonderful. Don't you? MEG Yes, but I wasn't quite sure. Oh, forgive me, dear. But, but I have so much and you, you seem so alone. I thought lately that maybe if Laurie came back. JO Oh, no, no, dear. It's better as it is. And I'm glad if he and Amy are learning to love each other. Oh, you're right about one thing, though. I am lonely. And maybe if Laurie had come back, I might have said yes. Not because I love him any differently, but because_cwell, because it means more to me now, to be loved, than it used to. (Jo is asleep on the attic sofa) ** (01:49:14) ** JO Laurie, oh, my Laurie. LAURIE Oh, Jo, dear. Are you glad to see me? JO Glad? Oh, my blessed boy. Words can't express my gladness. And where's your wife? LAURIE Oh, they all stopped in at Meg's, but I couldn't wait to see you. They'll be along presently. JO Oh, let me look at you. LAURIE Oh, don't I look like a married man, and the head of a family? Huh? JO Not a bit. And you never will. Though you have grown bigger and bonnier. LAURIE Ah. JO But you're the same scape grace as ever. Despite that very elegant mustache, you can't fool me. LAURIE Oh, really, Jo. You ought to treat me with more respect. Really! Ah, Jo, dear, I want to say one thing and then put it back forever. Ah_c JO Oh, no, darling, if you_c I think it has always meant to be. You and Amy. And it would have come about naturally if only you'd waited. LAURIE As you tried to make me understand. JO But you never could be patient. LAURIE So then we can go back to the happy old times, the way you wanted, when we first knew one another. JO No. We, we never can be boy and girl again, Laurie. Those happy old times can't come back. And we shouldn't expect them to. We're man and woman now. We can't be playmates any longer. But we can be brother and sister to love and help one another all the rest of our lives. Can't we, Laurie? Oh, there they are. (01:51:11) ** MRS. MARCH You look very well, Aunt March. AUNT MARCH After all the money I've spent on my Rheumatism, I come home on a day like this. HANNAH Heaven's to Betsy! If she ain't dressed in silk from head to foot. AMY Oh, where is she? Where is Jo? Jo. JO Amy. LAURIE Doesn't she look marvelous, Jo. (Everyone exchanges greetings) ** AMY Poor Jo. I'll never forgive myself for staying away so long and leaving you to bare everything. JO Darling. To think that only yesterday we were pulling our hair and buttoning our pinafores. And now she is a grown-up married lady with a bustle. AUNT MARCH Spent all my money and didn't have anything decent to eat the whole time. ** MRS. MARCH You must be famished. I'll help Hanna with tea. JO Oh, no, you won't, Marmee. You'll sit right here. I'll help Hanna. (Jo preying to Beth) ** JO It's fun, isn't it, Bethy? Now that we're all together again. HANNA Oh, dear. Oh, dear. I've got to get some milk. I got nothing for the baby. JO I'll go. HANNA But it's raining cats and dogs. JO I love it. HANNA Oh, sakes alive. There's the front door bell. (At the front door) ** PROFESSOR How do you do? Is this the residence of Miss March? HANNA Oh, yes. PROFESSOR Miss Josephine March? HANNA Yes, yes. PROFESSOR May I speak with her? HANNA Well, she's out. But I'm expecting her back any minute. Would you come in? PROFESSOR Thank you, thank you. Oh, no, no, no, thank you. She has guests. No. Thank you very much. But uh, will you please give this to her and tell that Professor Bhaer left it. Thank you. Professor Bhaer. Thank you very much. Good bye. HANNA Good bye.1:53:35 JO Oh, Herr Professor. PROFESSOR My little friend. I_c I was just here to leave you a book. I wanted to tell you my friend published it, and, and he has great hope. He thinks it_c JO Oh, never mind what he thinks. Did you like it? PROFESSOR Oh, my little friend, it has such truth, such simple beauty. It_c In English quick, I cannot tell you what it gives my heart. JO But you were going without telling me. If I hadn't come back, I never would have seen you again. Oh, but come. You're getting wet. PROFESSOR I couldn't intrude. You have guests. JO Oh, no, only my family. My sister's just come home. She's married, you know, with that boy I told you about. PROFESSOR Herr Laurie? JO Yes. PROFESSOR Oh. JO It's the first time they've been together for a long time. PROFESSOR Oh, please, please. Just, just one moment, before_c I have a wish to ask you something. Would you_c oh_c I_c I_c I have no courage to think that_c but_c but_c but could I dare hope that_cI_c I_c I know I shouldn't make so free as to ask. I have nothing to give but my heart so full and_c and these empty hands. JO They're not empty now. PROFESSOR Oh, dearest. JO Welcome home. (01:55:55.) ** The End