This lush and beautifully photographed production of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel contains more star power than any of its predecessors or successors in the 20th century. The setting is Concord, Massachusetts, during the Civil War, and Marmee Marach (Mary Astor) is attempting to raise her four teenage daughters in a time of deprivation and with her husband away fighting the war. June Allyson (THE GLENN MILLER STORY, THE STRATTON STORY) stars as Jo, the tomboy bookworm. Margaret O'Brien plays the selfless and tragic Beth. Elizabeth Taylor, in a perfect casting choice, plays the artistic Amy, and beautiful Janet Leigh (TOUCH OF EVIL, PSYCHO) takes on the role of responsible Meg. All of these stars turn in fine performances under the experienced coaching of director Mervyn LeRoy (MADAME CURIE, WATERLOO BRIDGE). ( )