It is amazing how funny and cheesy the 1949 movie seems when view by today’s audience. I found the first half of the movie to be quite amusing. Especially when Jo’s dress catches on fire and Laurie is whacking her butt to put it out. That got a laugh out of everyone. The phrases used are silly. Liz Taylor as Amy is a riot. She was definitely miscast. When she gets punished by her teacher, it seems almost like a sexual game between two adults, not a child being reprimanded. Jo is a little too brazen and obnoxious in this version. I don’t feel like she is annoying like that in the book.
I watched the 1994 version again this weekend, and I would have to say that it is definitely my favorite out of all the movies. The casting accurately portrays the characters the way that I picture the girls in the novel. Winona Ryder embodies perfectly the characteristics of Jo. I also feel that Beth is finally shown in a way that demonstrates her importance to the family.