Tales Of Little Women

The March family receives news that Father is seriously ill. Mother immediately arranges to travel to Washington where he is hospitalized. Desperate to raise money for Father's care, Jo sells her beautiful long hair.

The sisters know their Mother's absence is a test of their character and abilities, and they try hard to keep up their work and their spirits. But the more cheerful they try to be, the more gloomy they feel.

The sisters receive a letter from Mother assuring them that Father will recover, and they plan their letters to her, setting her mind at ease.

In her Mother's absence, Beth looks after the poor Hummel family. The baby is sick, and while Mrs. Hummel hurries for a doctor, the infant dies in Beth's arms. The baby died of scarlet fever, the doctor reports. And before long, Beth is sick too.

Beth has scarlet fever and her worried sisters struggle with the crisis. Meg and Jo, who have already had the disease, care for Beth, while Amy is sent to stay with Aunt March.

Beth's condition continues to worsen, and the doctor warns, "If her fever doesn't break soon, she will die."

The family rejoices as Beth's health improves. One day Amy meets the newspaperman Anthony, and he sends a message to Jo, telling of an opportunity to pursue a writing career in New York.

With Beth's recovery, Amy returns home. The sisters are delighted to be back together, but Meg's happiness is clouded by a letter from Mr. Brooke.

Meg's mother scolds Laurie for the hurt he caused forging a letter to Meg. To protect Meg's feelings, they agree not to tell anyone. Laurie's grandfather hears about the reprimand, and when Laurie refuses to tell him the details, Laurie is punished.

Though Beth is feeling much better, she must remain indoors, and she longs to play in the snow. Jo and Laurie bring her presents and build a snowman for her. On Christmas Day, Father returns home accompanied by Mr. Brooke.