"Louisa M. Alcott's 'Little Women', a story well-loved by sixteen-year-olds, idealists, and admirers of the Pollyanna and Elsie Dinsmore philosophy, has been picturized into a photoplay which possess the charm of an old miniature, the simplicity of life before women wanted the vote, and the tearful sweetness of 'Home Sweet Home'. In fact, it is so nearly classic of the photoplay that we wish it could be just a little bit better. For, it must be admitted, the unrolling film moves too slowly in spots," according to Hazel Simpson Naylor's review in "Motion Picture Magazine" (February 1919).
"There is a tendency upon the part of the director, Harry Knoles, to allow his characters to sit about the home chair too long, for a photoplay should always be on the wing of development. Also, the part of Professor Baer is not made distinctive enough. Otherwise, 'Little Women' will live up to your mind picture of the book. Especially does Dorothy Bernard ideally typify our beloved Jo, while Isabel Lamon as Meg, Lillian Hall as Beth, and Florence Flinn as Amy are all excellently cast. Conrad Nagel makes an ideal Laurie."
These sentiments were echoed in "Motion Picture Classic" (February 1919), where reviewer Frederick James Smith found fewer faults. "Dorothy Bernard is delightful as Jo, and Conrad Nagel is a very likable Laurie," he declared, praising the film's "gentle atmosphere." A major early silent film actress, Ms. Bernard looks beautiful in photographs promoting the movie.
"The New York Times" (November 11, 1918) reported the film was "a good piece of work" that would likely delight readers of the original books, with "satisfactory" acting, albeit possessing "too much conscious posing and a lack of character delineation" at times. Most interestingly, the "Times" reported the film was made, "Owing to the co-operation of the Alcott Memorial Committee in permitting scenes of the photoplay to be made in and about the author's home in Concord, Mass.," thus giving it an authentic 1860s New England atmosphere. Produced by William A. Brady, this film is unfortunately presumed lost.
****** Little Women (11/10/18) Harley Knoles ~ Dorothy Bernard, Isabel Lamon, Conrad Nagel, Henry Hull
