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!