I noted how the Armstrong version portrayed Laurie as a male equivalent of Jo moreso than the Cukor/Selznick or Leroy versions. The ’33 adaptation manages to emasculate Laurie and treat him like a goofball, convincing the audience that the two are in no way compatible. The ’49 version gives Laurie a sense of dignity back, but he seems so much more refined that he becomes way out of Jo’s league, socially speaking.
In the ’94 version, Jo actually refrains from calling him Laurie, and instead refers to him as “Teddy” just as affectionate but with a more masculine touch. He holds his tongue more often rather than just babbling (unlike ’33 Laurie). Furthermore, when Meg attends the ball and Laurie jokes with her, we see a dynamic very close to Meg/Jo with Laurie in Jo’s place. He is scolded for being too informal while Meg attempts to keep up a stately demeanor. We also see key scenes in his relationship with Jo such as the ice skating and saving Amy. And when Jo cut’s her hair, she attains a physical resembelence with Laurie, who rarely has his locks cut above his ears. These changes put the character on a more equal playing field, making his attraction to Jo a much larger issue and adding more internal conflict to her character.