Little Women (1994)

Susan Sarandon: Mrs. March

Photos 

Quotes 

• Marmee : Feminine weaknesses and fainting spells are the direct result of our confining young girls to the house, bent over their needlework, and restrictive corsets.

• Marmee March : Oh, Jo. Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You're ready to go out and - and find a good use for your talent. Tho' I don't know what I shall do without my Jo. Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.

• [Meg has twisted her ankle and Laurie took her home in his carriage] 

  Amy : He put snow on your ankle? With his own hands?

  Marmee : I won't have my girls being silly about boys. To bed! Jo dear.

  Amy : Everything lovely happens to Meg.

  Meg : [Sarcastically]  Oh yes, indeed.

• Marmee : I am going to write this man a letter.

  Jo : A letter. That'll show him.

• Jo March : [uncovers John's eyes]  Surprise!

  Marmee : John. You have a daughter.

  Hannah : And a son.

  [Marmee and Hannah hands the twins to John] 

  Meg : Oh, Marmee, I can't believe you did this four times.

  John Brooke : Yes, but never two at once, my darling.

• Marmee : I fear you would have a long engagement, three or four years. John must secure a house before you can marry and do his service to the union.

  Jo : John? Marry? You mean that poky old Mr Brooke? How did he weasel his way into this family?

  Marmee : Jo! Mr Brooke has been very kind to visit father in the hospital every day.

  Jo : He's dull as powder Meg, can't you at least marry someone amusing?

  Meg : I'm fond of John, he's kind and serious and I'm not afraid of being poor.

  Jo : Marmee, you can't just let her go and marry him.

  Meg : I'd hardly just go and marry anyone.

  Marmee : I would rather Meg marry for love and be a poor man's wife than marry for riches and lose her self-respect.

  Meg : So, you don't mind that John is poor.

  Marmee : No, but I'd rather he have a house.

  Jo : Why must we marry at all? Why can't things just stay as they are?

  Marmee : It's just a proposal, nothing can be decided on. Now girls? Don't spoil the day.

• Marmee : [Jo has been to visit Aunt March to try and get money for a train ticket]  25? Can Aunt March spare this much?

  Jo : I couldn't bear to ask.

  [she takes off her hat, everyone gasps - she's got short hair] 

  Jo : I sold my hair.

• Marmee : [as revenge, Amy has burned a precious manuscript]  It is a very great loss and you have every right to be put out. But don't let the sun go down on your anger. Forgive each other, begin again tomorrow.

  Jo : I will never forgive her.

• Marmee : Wouldn't this have made a wonderful school?

  Jo : A school.

  Marmee : Hmm. What a challenge that would be.

• Jo : [shocked at the decline of Beth's health]  Marmee.

  Marmee : She wouldn't let us send for you sooner. The doctor has been a number of times but it's beyond all of us and I think she's been waiting for you before she...

• Marmee : Cricket. Marmee's here. Icy cold. Jo, fetch a bowl with water, vinegar and some rags. Meg, my kit. We must draw the fever down from her head.

• Marmee : [reading a letter]  "Aunt March is bedridden and would not survive a sea voyage. Amy must bide her time and return later".

  [sighs] 

  Marmee : Just as well.