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Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Louisa May Alcott documentary

About a month ago I read and reviewed the book Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women (linked to my review.) Following that, the publisher contacted me and asked if I'd like to go ahead and watch the documentary and host a giveaway with that as well. So I said yes. I really enjoyed the book thoroughly and was looking forward to watching the film.

Now, I know that there are some people out there who don't really go for the documentary style of film. Admittedly, some such films can really be kind of dry. I tend to like them myself. Especially biographies. If we had cable, I'd be the one camped out on the History Channel or A&E.

This particular film on Louisa May Alcott is an American Masters edition and it is filed with facts, quotes and dramatizations by character actors.

This description is taken from the Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women website:

To make Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women, Producer-Writer Harriet Reisen and Producer-Director Nancy Porter worked from a script drawn from primary sources and filmed in many original locations, using documentary and dramatic techniques of the historical documentary, as well as experimental and flash animation, green-screen, and digital effects. The result is an inventive, entertaining, and intimate portrait of the surprising Miss Alcott.
In truth, I was entertained. I thought the film was made in such an entertaining manner, that I spent one of the boy's nap-time engrossed in it. The film follows the book very closely (not surprising, given the author's involvement) and makes it a good companion for the book. In fact, it was a fun refresher after having read the book. I would say that this film would be especially useful for a high school literature class when you want to give them a taste of who Louisa May Alcott was. (However, I still recommend the book for a more in depth look at the woman. The book has a lot more to offer, but no visuals.)

As I said, I was offered a copy of this documentary to give away to one of you. Would you like to win it? Simply leave a comment below. This contest will be open through Sunday, December 12th and is open to U.S. residents only.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER (as selected by random.org) IS #3 - RONNICA! Congratulations!

I think, even if you aren't a fan of typical documentary films, this one will hold appeal because of the use of actors and actress who are used to portray the Alcott family and others. Even if you can't get to the film, I still heartily recommend the book which is enormously helpful in dissecting and describing this popular figure in American literature.

Best to you and, once again, Merry Christmas!

30 comments:

Annette W. said...

Somehow, I didn't get the book on my Christmas list...and it's too late now, I am pretty sure. BUT that doesn't mean I will never get it, right?

I would love to win this documentary. Thank you for the recommendation!

debbie said...

I found this about halfway through. It was really good, what I saw of it. I learned some things I never knew about her. I would love to have this so I could see the whole thing.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Ronnica said...

I'd love to watch this...I LOVE Little Women.

Laura's Reviews said...

Don't enter me in the contest as I've already seen the documentary, but I just wanted to say how much I loved it. I thought it did a fantastic job of telling Louisa May Alcott's story and I learned a few new things!

Carol in Oregon said...

Carrie, I would love a chance to see this! I just finished Rose in Bloom last night.

Thank you for hosting this giveaway and for your review.

Shonya said...

chuckle--my son would be camped out with the history channel if we had it, too! That's always the first channel he hits when we stay in a motel!

Sounds like a great documentary!

apple blossom said...

please include me in this giveaway. thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Renee said...

I would love to see this documentary; both the book and the film sounds really interesting!

Thanks for hosting this and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Catherine said...

I love documentaries and I love Louisa May Alcott. Please include me in the giveaway.

Carol N Wong said...

I have been wanting the book for so long and no luck but I would still love to see the documentary. Lousia May Alcott is so fascinating.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Barbara H. said...

Well, sure, I'd love to win it!

Caroline said...

I would love to win the documentary!

Alison said...

LMA is one of my all time favorite authors. :-)

Anonymous said...

I do enjoy learning more about the authors behind stories that are treasured. Thanks for the giveaway!

artand jen at juno dot com

Jen N

Cassandra said...

I love documentaries and I really like Louisa May Alcott. Sounds like a great combination! :)

Kelly Massman said...

I've always loved Little Women and would love to have this!

Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

bekahcubed said...

I'm a documentary fan myself--and this one sounds like tons of fun. I'd love to win!

Stephanie said...

Sounds fascinating!

rhapsodyinbooks said...

Please include me!

nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

Melinda said...

I'm interested!

Pat said...

This would be a wonderful gift for my daughter.
pkildow at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I know of Little Women, but not much of the author. Count me in...nancysoffice at gmail dot com

Katie Marie said...

Little Woman is a big favorite in my family! I loved it! Please count me in!

- Katie
legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win the Louisa May Alcott documentary :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
http://scr.im/ladybugemail

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

Sounds great, Carrie! Sign me up!

MaureenT said...

I would like to watch this...I loved Little Woman and Little Men. Please include me

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Stephanie Kay said...

I love this type of video!! And I'd enjoy learning more about Alcott. Touring her home last year was very interesting. It would be fun to see if I've visited any of the "original locations."

Alicia said...

We love documentaries! Thanks!

Charlotte Kay said...

Oh, what an amazing givewaway!
Thank you for this offer!

Merry CHRISTmas,
Charlotte
chakasa58 at gmail dot com

Sky said...

Include me please!

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