Here is a very interesting find. I was admittedly trying to find something else, when this came up on my search. (I was trying to find the episode of "Beauty and the Beast" starring Claire Bloom and Charlton Heston, if anyone knows where I can watch it, please be kind and share the link or site. Thank you!)
Between 1958-61, Shirley Temple hosted, and even sometimes acted, in a children's anthology series in which stories are told within an hour length of time. Here, she told the story of "Little Men", the often overlooked sequel to "Little Women".
Interesting casting, and honestly, I don't know if I hate it. Shirley Temple plays Jo with Friedrich Bhaer played by, get this, Fernando Lamas. Mary Wickes played Hannah, and honestly, who doesn't love a good sassy Mary Wickes?
Because this is an hour program, the story is very much whittled down and puts more focus on Dan. (Also, by the time I make this post, I have yet to read Little Men, so if you have, please watch this and share how you feel about this as an abridged version).
The actor who played Dan, Robert Crawford JR, was very good, it's a shame he didn't do more after this.
Love the cameo of Eleanor Audley as Miss Collingwood. Disney fans will recognize her as the voice of Lady Tremaine and Maleficent.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Jo and Friedrich in this; how he calls her "angel", the way they work together to help Dan, and how they support one another.
We get to see a hint of Jo's temper in this, which is a great call back to the original novel at least, even better that she does to Miss Collingwood aka Maleficent.
The plot in this focuses more on Dan learning to be honest, and I truly enjoyed the way it was written; the plot with the other kids having a tough time with him, and the twist towards the end.
And lastly, I love that Jo and Friedrich kiss in front of the boys, nice call back to how they don't mind being affectionate in front of people.
Anyway, I figure I'd share this fascinating piece of Little Women lore, and see what you all think of this.
