Tales of Little Women

The March family receives news that Father is seriously ill. Mother immediately arranges to travel to Washington, where he is hospitalized.

The sisters know their Mother's absence is a test of their character and abilities, and they try hard to keep up their work and their spirits.

The sisters receive a letter from Mother assuring them that Father will recover, and they plan their letters to her, setting her mind at ease.

In her Mother's absence, Beth looks after the poor Hummel family. The baby is sick, and while Mrs. Hummel hurries for a doctor, the infant dies in Beth's arms.

Beth has scarlet fever and her worried sisters struggle with the crisis. Meg and Jo, who have already had the disease, care for Beth, while Amy is sent to stay with Aunt March.

Beth's condition continues to worsen, and the doctor warns, if her fever doesn't break soon she will die.

With Beth's recovery, Amy returns home. The sisters are delighted to be back together, but Meg's happiness is clouded by a letter from Mr. Brooke.

Meg's mother scolds Laurie for the hurt he caused forging a letter to Meg. To protect Meg's feelings, they agree not to tell anyone.

Though Beth is feeling much better, she must remain indoors, and she longs to play in the snow.

Father is home for the holiday but plans to return to the war as soon as he has fully recovered.

With the arrival of spring, the war ends and Father is home to stay. The March's have a party to celebrate Beth's recovery and Meg's engagement.