Watch Orchard House: Home of Little Women

Orchard House: Home of Little Women is a PBS Masterpiece documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the life and legacy of one of America's most beloved literary families - the Alcotts. The documentary primarily focuses on the family's humble abode and birthplace of one of the most famous classics in literature history, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. The Orchard House provides a unique perspective into the life of the Alcotts, their inspirations, and their struggles as a family.

Through the informants, such as the Orchard House's knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, the show explores the Alcott family's history and their contribution to the literary world. The story interweaves the family's backstory, daily life at Orchard House, and the works that emerged from its walls, such as Little Women. Viewers are privy to insightful commentary about how Louisa May Alcott drew from her personal experiences and observations of her family's life to create such a beloved classic.

Director Janice L. Williams brings together interviews with academics and authors, including Pulitzer Prize-winner John Matteson, Harlem Renaissance scholar JerriAnne Boggis, and biographer Susan Cheever, who help delve into the life story of the Alcotts. Combining unique historical footage of the Alcott family with present-day footage of Orchard House and the surrounding area, Williams paints a vivid picture of the family's life and legacy.

The film weaves together the Alcott family's history, drawing attention to Bronson Alcott's efforts to create an intellectual utopia at Fruitlands, and the societal issues of the time. We also learn about the family's artistic achievements through the perseverance of daughter May, who became one of America's most prominent art students in her time, and her mother, Abigail, whose works were published only after her death.

Notably, the documentary tells the story of some of the lesser-known Alcotts, primarily May and Abigail. Their achievements were overshadowed by Louisa's success, but the documentary gives viewers a chance to learn about their creative capabilities, even in challenging times. Interviews with modern-day writers, including Geraldine Brooks and Eve LaPlante, highlight Louisa May Alcott's influence on writers of all genres and her reach beyond the book. Little Women continues to inspire readers and writers across the world, from each new generation to generation.

Orchard House: Home of Little Women is not only a historical document but also a celebration of the Alcott family's legacy whose works and inspiring spirit continue to enrich the lives of those who encounter them. It sheds light on the life of a family of intellectuals that left a lasting mark on American culture and society. From how the family handled adversity to their artistic outputs, the documentary tells the story of a remarkable family that defied conventions, and their unique home which remains a symbol of the power of a single voice. This documentary is especially for those who appreciate a great fiction work but are unfamiliar with the Alcotts' life and history behind it.

Orchard House: Home of Little Women is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on May 1, 2018.