Somehow when I was posting my review of Little Men (1998) I forgot to upload and post the music video I made for it. So I'm posting the music video here for ya'll to enjoy and will also add it to my review. I had too much fun making screencaps for this music video!
I didn't know anything about the story before but when I saw this film on Netflix I was so excited!
It was one of those films I watched once by myself and then liked so much I convinced my sister that she had to watch it with me. She liked it a lot too!
Based on Louisa May Alcott's sequel to Little Women, Little Men (1998) is a fun family film. It's a nice companion piece to Little Women (1994) although they weren't made to be watched together. It's wonderful to find new adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's works!
John Brooke helps Nat Blake
Story:Young Nat Blake earns his living as a street musician in Boston after his father dies. One day he is falsely accused of theft after his friend Dan pick-pockets a gentlemen's wallet. Mr. John Brooke sees the commotion and offers to pay his way at Plumfield School, a boarding school run by his sister-in-law, instead of the police sending him to jail. Shy and quiet Nat fears the school will be strict by when he meets Fritz and Jo (March) Bhaer - who liked to be called "Father and Mother Bhaer" - and the other students he soon feels right at home. As winter nears Nat's friend Dan shows up at Plumfield and is taken in but his streetwise ways soon land him and the boys who follow him into more serious trouble. There are many lessons for Nat and the other students to learn about honesty, friendship and compassion.
Opening Scene
Script: Not knowing the story I read the Wikipedia page for Little Men and compared the two. It seems they did make a few changes from the book mainly that Amy and Laurie, their daughter Bess and Meg's younger daughter Josie do not appear in this film. Jo and Fritz only have one son Teddy, aka "Little Bhaer", instead of two sons (Rob and Teddy) like in the book and there's only two servants at Plumfield instead of three. Otherwise the general plot of the story seems to be the same and the characters of the boys seem similar. The language used in this film sounds like it might be updated and changed a bit from the original. A narrator starts and ends the story and adds voice over bits in between some scenes, it's nice because it helps the viewer to remember this is from a classic book.
Bhaers receive news Nat is coming
Costumes: Pretty simple and homespun looking but fits well with the late 1800's time period. The ladies' dresses are quite plain but there are some nice fabrics and small jewelry pieces worn. The boys have some very handsome coats, scarves, hats and indoor wear as well. Simple costumes but effective in communicating the time period and lifestyle of the characters.
Plumfield in Autumn
Scenery: Filmed entirely in Montréal, Québec, Canada there is some of the New England charm missing but not too much that you'd notice. One street of "Boston" is shown for one scene. The rest of the film takes place at Plumfield house, barns, school room and out buildings. It is Autumn when Nat arrives there and the huge farmhouse is surrounded by gorgeous foliage! Toward the end of the film there is a great snowfall and it's wonderful to see the kids running and playing in the snow. I think the house could have been a bit more grand and perhaps not so secluded looking (it did sort of look like a farm in the middle of nowhere) but overall it was a great location for filming.
Nat plays the fiddle for Jo, Fritz and Franz
Music: Sort of matched the style of music used in Little Women (1994) thought not quite as grand or memorable. There are a couple dances played on the fiddle by Nat and Dan sings Amazing Grace with the others at the end of the film.
My music video with songs from Little Men (1998) with screencaps I made from the film. Listen to the Opening Theme, Nat Plays the Fiddle, Dan Sings Amazing Grace and the End Titles. You can briefly hear Chris Sarandon as Fritz Bhaer singing in Amazing Grace, he has a very nice voice!
Stuffy, Daisy, Demi and Tommy
Characters & Actors: Many Canadian actors but some American as well make for a good mix.
Michael Caloz as Nat Blake - Nat is a bit shy and skeptical when he first comes to Plumfield but everyone gives him such a warm welcome. Michael Caloz's bright brown eyes and sweet manner are perfect for Nat and made me like the character right away! Surprisingly Michael did the voice of pesky sister D.W. in the PBS animated TV show Arthur!
Mariel Hemingway as Jo Bhaer - While blond haired Mariel doesn't really look like my idea of Jo (she has "chestnut" hair in book doesn't she?) she does present a kind and caring character who loves her students and family very much and tries to take on the world. She took some getting used to but I liked her for the most part. Mariel Hemingway is the granddaughter of famous author Ernest Hemingway and was given the name Mariel after one of his favorite places to vacation.
Chris Sarandon as Fritz Bhaer - I'm not a huge fan of the Jo/Professor Bhaer match up in the book and don't really like most of the film versions I've seen of him. However Chris Sarandon as Fritz Bhaer really stands out as one of the main reasons I love this film. The character becomes this strong but compassionate character who love and supports his wife and directs their students with a firm but caring hand. You might recognize Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride or as Charles Darnay / Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities (1980) but this is by far my favorite role of his.
Ben Cook as Dan - Nat's homeless friend who finds his way to Plumfield where the Bhaers take him in. Ben Cook does a great job of portraying the struggle going on in Dan where he wants to be loved and have a home but also leads the other boys into mischief. Jo doesn't give up on him and he eventually finds his place in their family set. Road to Avonlea fans fight possibly recognize Ben Cook from the Season 7 episode From Away where he played Ian McNulty.
Serge Houde as John Brooke & Emma Campbell as Meg Brooke - John Brooke finds Nat on the streets of Boston and pays his way to Plumfield. John and Meg come for a visit later in the series where it becomes evident that John is not in the best of health. I didn't really like these actors in the roles, they seemed too old and a bit contrived to me, but they were nice enough.
Tyler Hynes as Demi Brooke & Julia Garland as Daisy Brooke - John and Meg's twins who live and go to school at Plumfield with their aunt and uncle. They are the first to welcome Nat when he arrives and are very good tempered kids. Demi has odd hair but seems quite scholarly while Daisy has long pretty hair and is very domestic and sweet. Julia Garland didn't do much acting after this role but this was Tyler Hynes' first role and he's gone on to many more film and television roles (and he has great hair now, haha!).
Gabrielle Boni as Nan Harding - Nan comes to Plumfield after her mother dies and is to be a companion for Daisy. Nan is even more of a tomboy than Jo was at her age and soon earns the boys respect by beating them at baseball. I wish Nan had been introduced sooner in the film because she's such a fun character! Actress Gabrielle Boni looked very familiar to me and then it all made sense when I found out she played Rebecca Graham in the Wind At My Back TV series. Love her red hair and freckles!
Mickey Toft as Teddy "Little Bear" Bhaer - Teddy is Fritz and Jo's little five-year-old son who joins in with activities with the other boys. He doesn't have very many speaking lines but Mickey Toft steals the show by being so darn cute! (I mean just look at that grin!) He likes Dan a lot and Dan in return is very kind to him.
Ricky Mabe as Tommy Bangs - Tommy is one of the first friends that Nat makes at Plumfield. He and Nat go into business keeping chickens and selling the eggs. One of my favorites of the boys, he has a really good heart.
David Deveau as George "Stuffy" Cole - Stuffy is comical and the lines he has are a lot of fun.
Michael Yarmush as Emil - Fancies himself a pirate, often wearing an eye patch, and says his rather is a sea captain. This is different than in the book where Emil and Franz are Professor Bhaer's nephews.
B.J. McLellan as Jack Ford - Another of the students but with a slightly vengeful streak.
Justin Bradley as Adolphus "Dolly" Pettinghill - He's introduced as a student but I can't remember what he looks like. His name is really neat though!
Mathew Mackay as Franz - Professor Bhaer's nephew who helps with the teaching. He's in a few scenes and does very well.
Kathleen Fee as Molly & Narrator - Molly is the housekeeper who takes care of everyone. Kathleen Fee also did the narrating parts throughout the film.
James Bradford as Silas - Works with the animals and is a bit of a handyman. He doesn't like Dan's streetwise ways but admires his way with horses.
Father and Mother Bhaer
My Thoughts: First of all, this film is such fun! It has a very sweet story and the characters are dear to us even if the actors don't exactly fit them in looks. Virtues such as honesty, compassion, kindness and generosity are valued. The boys at Plumfield have a lot to learn but they also have a lot of fun.
But the best part of this film for me was getting to see Jo March and Fritz Bhaer as they work together and care for their "family". I'm one of those who couldn't quite reconcile Jo marrying the Professor (and Laurie marrying Amy is so weird!) but the way they are presented in this film is just perfect! They are equals who love each other and care deeply about their family and the students at Plumfield. Fritz Bhaer's compassion really stands out as he teaches the boys in classes and through life lessons. The sort of education the Bhaers provide is caring and inspires the boys to be good and strive to be better and kinder.
Nat is also a favorite character for me, it's interesting to see the story unfold through his eyes and see him put into practice the lessons he is taught. The ending scene is a bit cheesy but this film overall is just wonderful and I'd watch it again in a heartbeat! Watching this film really made me want to read the book and I will, someday...
Dan and Nat
My Recommendations: This film is rated PG-13 for some minor scary scenes such as fire, a cut foot, and one scene where a cigar and a bottle of beer are used by the boys who are see the error of their way after that.. The word "damn" is also used several times by the boys. I really don't see why this film was given the PG-13 rating because there is nothing really objectionable for families today and I would highly recommend it as a family film. If you like Little Women (1994), the Anne of Green Gables films or the Road to Avonlea (TV series) then you will love Little Men (1998)!
Have you seen Little Men (1998)? What did you think of it? Have you read Little Men? What about Jo's Boys? Are you a fan of the Jo/Professor Bhaer match up?
~*~
This is my 2nd film review for the Period Drama Challenge going on now!
This week's game is a contest, a Period Drama Keep Calm poster contest to be exact. I can't say this idea is very original, the idea was inspired by Miss Dashwood's Jane Austen Keep Calm poster contest at Yet Another Period Drama Blog who kindly agreed to let me "steal" her idea. Thanks Amy!
Don't know what a Keep Calm poster is? The saying "Keep Calm And Carry On" was originated by Winston Churchill in England during WWII. The saying has recently become more popular than every with merchandise of all types showing up in bookstores and other shops. There have also been many spin-offs related to everything imaginable (usually favorite books, films and TV shows) circulating on blogs and websites lately too.
In this contest your entries must be related to your favorite period dramas and they must being with the phrase "Keep Calm And" (but just "Keep Calm" is okay too if it works with your saying).
Here's a couple examples of Period Drama related Keep Calms:
Based on Little Women (1994)
Based on North & South (2004)
Entries & Rules:
Create your own witty posters beginning with "Keep Calm And..." or "Keep Calm" that are related to your favorite period dramas (and try to think outside Jane Austen - Dickens, Gaskell, Alcott, Montgomery, Downton Abbey or other period films).
You may enter up to two Keep Calm posters.
Post your Keep Calms on your blog or website and leave the link in a comment, or if you don't have a blog leave image URL in a comment.
When you comment please tell which period drama(s) your sayings come from.
Contest will be open for entries from now until 12:00 AM (EST) on Thursday, May 3rd at which time I will choose my five favorite posters and will post them and a poll for everyone to vote for their favorite. Winners will be posted Sunday, May 6th.
Sayings may be related to any period drama but keep in mind that the more well-known or witty the saying the better chance it will have of being generally agreeable.
Please keep your entries clean and upbeat.
Photos on your posters are encouraged by not necessary.
The Keep Calm-O-Matic is a wonderful tool to use when making your posters and it's what I used to make the posters above.
And one more thing...have fun! Lots of fun!
I am very much looking forward to seeing your entries! :)
Contest is now closed, thanks to everyone who voted!
Louisa May Alcott is an American classic, her books and characters are so much a part of time and history. Her stories of growing up in the the time of the Civil War and the lives of extraordinary Victorian era people have continued to be very popular since she was first published in the late 1840's.
Here is a little Unscramble Game with names of her characters and novels.
To Play: Unscramble the puzzles below and leave your answers in a comment. For extra points tell me which novel or story the characters come from. I'll respond with your score. Guess as many times as you like.
Scoring: One point for each correctly unscrambled name or word. Two points each for correctly guessed novels that the characters come from. Maximum score is 52 points.
Last year I posted (post here) that the Hallmark Channel were premiering An Old-Fashioned Christmas which was to be a sequel to An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008). Because they haven't released the film on DVD it wasn't until this year that I was able to watch it on YouTube. I watched this first with my sister and a day or so later watched it again with our mom. (You can read my review for An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving here.)
Synopsis:Picking up where An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving left off, Miss Matilda "Tilly" Bassett is traveling Europe with her wealthy grandmother Isabella Caldwell. It's Christmastime and Mrs. Caldwell has arranged for them to spend Christmas at Shannon Castle in Ireland the family home of the Earl of Shannon, a famous poet who she hopes will be able to Tilly's writings get published. But they find that Lady Shannon has other plans: the family fortune is spent so she is scheming for her son Cameron to marry Tilly who she thinks will inherit her grandmother's fortune. Scoundrel Cameron's attempts to woo Tilly don't go well at first but when he helps her to find her paternal grandfather she starts to look more kindly on him. Isabella worries that Tilly is falling for Cameron so she surprises her by inviting Tilly's fiance Gideon "Gad" Hopkins to join them at Shannon Castle. Although Tilly is glad to see Gad she is confused by Cameron's charms. Many misunderstandings ensue but it's Christmas to things are sure to end happily.
Script: Characters are based on Louisa May Alcott's An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving but the story is original and created by script writer Donald Martin for the Hallmark Channel. The language is fairly simple and more modern sounding but not too far removed from Victorian manners and customs.
Scenes:Filmed entirely in Ireland at a 200 year-old castle, there are many lovely views of the castle and surrounding grounds.
Costumes: Tilly and her grandmother have some lovely dresses made in taffetas and other gorgeous fabrics! Most of their dresses are also quite modest with higher necklines. The gentlemen have some lovely cravats, vests and jackets as well.
(Click Thumbnails for larger view)
Actors In Their Roles:
Catherine Steadman as Matilda "Tilly" Basset - British actress Catherine Steadman was perfectly spunky and sweet as Tilly and did a wonderful job of keeping up the American accent (though it sounded a bit Canadian at times). My sister and I actually preferred her over the actress who portrayed Tilly in the first film. Does she look familiar? Catherine portrayed a very sweet Julia Bertram in Mansfield Park (2007) and her photo was recently on my sidebar, header and blog button.
Jacqueline Bisset as Isabella Caldwell - Reprising her role as Tilly's elegant grandmother she is perfect, I'm so glad that she was able to play the same role in this film.
Kristopher Turner as Gideon "Gad" Hopkins - Gad is the true gentleman who loves Tilly for who she is and always acts honorably. My sister and I were very happy to see Kristopher Turner again in the role of Gad, he makes the character quite charming!
Leon Ockenden as Cameron Shannon - Cameron is a scoundrel who spends most of his time lounging about the rambling castle or staying out late drinking and carousing at the local pub. Leon Ockenden was a charmer in the role but we also have to wonder why Tilly is attracted to him when she has a true gentleman in Gad.
Ian McElhinney as Sean Bassett - Tilly's paternal grandfather who has hard feelings toward her grandmother and calls her "a witch". Ian McElhinney makes the character very funny and I adored his Irish accent!
My Thoughts: My sister and I really enjoyed this film! It's not a serious film, it's just a sweet, slightly cheesy, romantic TV film. There are so many fun and silly moments which we really enjoyed. There's even a sword fight! After watching it together we watched it a day or two later with our mom who laughed along with us. The characters are easy to like and the story of their Christmas together is very interesting.
My Recommendations: This film is family friendly with no swearing or inappropriate scenes. One thing that is slightly objectionable is the mention of Cameron Shannon's visits to the local pub and his carousing with barmaids - on my second viewing of the film I realized they mentioned "barmaids" several times. Also in one scene Cameron takes Gad to the pub and they are scene drinking from small glasses and Gad passes out. You can catch this film on the Hallmark Channel (look at their programming schedule, next showing December 10, 12am) or on YouTube here. (An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving can be seen here.)
Trailer:
Have you seen An Old-Fashioned Christmas or An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving?
How would you like to spend Christmas in Ireland like Tilly did?
After recently posting about Two Family Films, it dawned on me that I review a lot of period films that are by nature for the older viewer either in subject matter or because of their intricate plots. So I wanted to share with you some of the Family Films that my sister Miss Bea (age 15) and I have enjoyed together for many years. Many of these are not period films but they do have a certain old-fashioned charm that makes them delightful to watch!
Part One's List is 15 films that we consider "girly girl" type films.
Family films that will appeal more to girls. In no particular order.
This tale of three sisters following their dreams and finding their niche in life is very sweet. We love watching the three girls especially Posy and Petrova. I reviewed Ballet Shoes not too long ago so for further details and recommendations check out my review here.
We've loved Disney princess films and other animated films for a long time but we longed to see this Rapunzel story and were not disappointed! Tangled quickly jumped to being one of our all-time favorite films! If you've never seen it you need to. Everyone I know loves this film and we highly recommend it!
The American Girl Films
When I was young I was a huge American Girl fan, I had two dolls, some accessories, read all the books and had birthday parties for the dolls with my friends. I really enjoyed sharing The American Girl Collection with my sister Miss Bea and even more when the films came out! We enjoy watching Samantha - An American Girl Holiday and Felicity - An American Girl Adventure around Christmastime and Molly - An American Girl on the Home Front when we're feeling very patriotic. Our favorite by far is Kit Kittredge: An American Girl not only because Kit Kittredge has always been Miss Bea's favorite, but also because it's the most interesting of the lot. These historical films never fail to make us laugh and cry!
Also in the American Girl Collection, An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong, is one of Miss Bea's absolute favorite films. She watches it over and over again and has read the books several times. This more modern tale is a sweet tale of friendship and lessons learned.
As much as we love Disney's animated films we also adore many of their live action films as well. As soon as we saw Enchanted we got the songs and quotes of the lovely Gisele stuck in our heads! It's such a sweet fun parody of the classic princess tales. We've watched many times!
This series and these films were so popular when they first came out, and rightfully so. Miss Bea and I love princess tales and Princess Mia is so spunky and delightful of follow as she goes from gawky teenager to reigning monarch of Genovia. My whole family really enjoyed The Princess Diaries but it was Miss Bea and me who begged to go see The Princess Diaries 2 - Royal Engagement when it was in theaters. We've definitely watched the second film more frequently but can and do quote from both film. So much fun!
Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite story lines, and I wrote my own modern day story based on the story when I was a young teen. Miss Bea and I love this modern day version because it's so clean, funny and sweet. Also this film talks quite a bit about God's forgiveness and following and trusting in Him. Belle is such a sweet girl and their sweet romance is delightful to watch!
This is a film that Miss Bea and I first watched when we were staying overnight with an older Christian lady. I remember being perfectly delighted by the costumes, story line and sisterly relationships. We very soon bought our own VHS copy and watched it many times with our family. We don't watch it as much now but it's a definite Christmas time favorite we still love!
After enjoying actress Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries my family and I were excited to see her in this film and we were not disappointed. Miss Bea and I enjoy watching Ella of Frell as she sets off to get herself out from under the spell that makes her do whatever her wicked stepmother and stepsisters tell her too. Another fun fairytale that come complete with a dashing Prince Charming.
Although my family and I have watched Jane Austen adaptations together for years Miss Bea hasn't paid much attention to them until watching Emma 2009 with me. Ramola Garai sets a lively mood for this film and we just love actor Johnny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley in this film. The dance scenes, music, costumes and actors in this adaptation are all bright and beautiful and so full of life. If we're in the mood for a Jane Austen adaptation this is the first one we reach for!
My mom read the Emily books to me when I was younger and I remember enjoying them but it wasn't until I bought the first season of Emily of New Moon on DVD for Miss Bea that she really got interested in the books. We'll say right here that although we enjoyed watching the TV series and even bought the second season on DVD this TV series doesn't follow the books very well at all. The first season was alright but by the time they make it to the second season the series kills off some of the main characters and makes Emily into a spoiled brat who talks to ghosts. But the Emily book series by L.M. Montgomery is one of Miss Bea's favorites.
At Christmas time I did a review of Eloise at Christmastime (see review here) but we wanted to include her again here because the Eloise films are two of our all time favorites. Eloise is such a lively and fun character with a bright imagination. We love watching these two films with our families or by ourselves and laughing out loud at Eloise's adventures!
Penelope was one film that we wanted to see for a while and throughly enjoyed when we finally did. We don't watch it very often but we really enjoy the modern day fairytale story. Penelope is a lovely heroine with a flaw and her parents are looking for a "prince charming" to marry her and set her free. The many suitors are so funny and the film leaves you with the message that each girl is special in their own way.
The Prince and Me
Another fun modern day fairytale about a normal American girl who wins the heart of a real live prince. There is at least one scene with kissing that is a bit uncomfortable but it ends abruptly with a paparazzi photographer. There are three other film sequels to this but they change the main actress. Although I like this first film my favorite is actually the second film The Prince & Me 2 - The Royal Wedding, because it takes place mostly in and around the royal palace.
VeggieTales - Esther, the Girl Who Became Queen
My family and I have always loved VeggieTales and have watched them many times. But this one about Esther is a favorite of Miss Bea's and mine. They do a wonderful job of staying true to the Bible story while adding a bit of VeggieTales fun and beautiful music. This is the best of the best!
So these are just some of our favorite "girly girl" type family films. We recommend all of these to girls probably ages 9+. Most of these are safe for family viewing, but parents will know best. Be on the lookout for Miss Bea's Family Films - Part 2 which will include 15 more films in the Fun and Adventure category.
What are your favorite films to watch with your younger sisters, daughters or friends? Have you seen any of these? Which is your favorite?
not too long ago so for further details and recommendations check out my review here.
quickly jumped to being one of our all-time favorite films! If you've never seen it you need to. Everyone I know loves this film and we highly recommend it!
and Felicity - An American Girl Adventure
around Christmastime and Molly - An American Girl on the Home Front
when we're feeling very patriotic. Our favorite by far is Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
not only because Kit Kittredge has always been Miss Bea's favorite, but also because it's the most interesting of the lot. These historical films never fail to make us laugh and cry! 
, is one of Miss Bea's absolute favorite films. She watches it over and over again and has read the books several times. This more modern tale is a sweet tale of friendship and lessons learned. 
but it was Miss Bea and me who begged to go see The Princess Diaries 2 - Royal Engagement 
when it was in theaters. We've definitely watched the second film more frequently but can and do quote from both film. So much fun!
with me. Ramola Garai sets a lively mood for this film and we just love actor Johnny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley in this film. The dance scenes, music, costumes and actors in this adaptation are all bright and beautiful and so full of life. If we're in the mood for a Jane Austen adaptation this is the first one we reach for!
of Emily of New Moon 
on DVD for Miss Bea that she really got interested in the books. We'll say right here that although we enjoyed watching the TV series and even bought the second season
on DVD this TV series doesn't follow the books very well at all. The first season
(see review here) but we wanted to include her again here because the Eloise films are two of our all time favorites. Eloise is such a lively and fun character with a bright imagination. We love watching these two films with our families or by ourselves and laughing out loud at Eloise's adventures!
, because it takes place mostly in and around the royal palace.
& 