Professor Popinjay's Compendium of Perspicacity

A Non-review by Prof. Popinjay

Not to be confused with the recent similarly titled film starring Greg Kinear which, so far as I can tell, has nothing to do with Louisa May Alcott’s sequel to Little Women. Nor should it be confused with the similarly titled 1998-1999 tv miniseries Little Men which has everything to do with Louisa May Alcott’s sequel to Little Women, but is actually an unofficial sequel to Little Men although not written by Alcott.

I’ve never read Little Men. I read Little Women back in the day (Tuesday) and I saw the movie with Christian Bale and Winona Ryder and Kirsten Dunst. Sweet stories the both of them. Men and Women alike.

Little Men follows Jo March from the story of Little Women as she runs a boarding house for wayward boys. One boy in particular brings with him a great deal of trouble but with compassion Jo and her husband help the young man grow into a right fine citizen.

It’s a straightforward story and is well executed. The acting is satisfactory from the adults as well as the boys. The story introduces two girls as well who stir up the boys a bit. One girl is into girly things while the other relates to the boys better. Their exchanges made for some humorous scenes.

Jo’s husband Fritz is played by Chris Sarandon whom most will remember as Prince Humperdinck from the Princess Bride and the speaking voice of Jack Skellington from the Nightmare Before Christmas.