'Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind
"Little Women"' airs on PBS Monday.
Above, Elizabeth Marvel as Alcott.
(Photo: Liane Brandon)
'Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind "Little Women"' airs on PBS - A new biographical documentary of the author of the classic novel, Little Women, airs on PBS Monday evening as part of public television's American Masters series. In most markets, the program will broadcast at 9:00 p.m. ET; however, interested viewers should check their local listings for air time in their areas.
The documentary makes provocative claims about Louisa May Alcott's biography and personality that may surprise many readers.
Based on the book of the same title by Harriet Reisen, who also wrote the screenplay, the film shows an Alcott who liked to write pulp fiction; tried drugs such as opium and hasheesh; was raised a vegetarian living on a commune; and had romantic feelings for Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, with whom she studied literature and botany, respectively.
The film has won a number of awards at film festivals, including:
- GRAND AWARD: Providence Film Festival, August 2008;Rhode Island International Film Festival
- BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY: Reel Women Intl Film Festival, Los Angeles, April 2009
- AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:Cape Cod Filmmaker Takeover, May 2009
- BEST FAMILY FEATURE: Garden State International Film Festival, May 2009
The movie is directed by Nancy Porter. Both the book and the DVD of the film are available for purchase. See a preview of the film below.
SEE ALSO:
'Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind "Little Women"' airs on PBS American Masters this fall
What are your literature resolutions for 2010?
National Book Award for Young People's Literature, 2009 - Phillip Hoose tells Claudette Colvin story
Young Adult Pop Culture Examiner
Connie Ann Kirk is the author of 10 books and has a Ph.D. in English. She is currently at work on a novel and a screenplay. Check out all of her Examiner pages: National Literature; National Books on Film and National Young Adult Pop Culture. Feel free any time to visit Connie's website.
Email Connie at: ConnieAnnKirkOnExaminer@gmail.com.
Comments