Part 1

The four March sisters prepare for Christmas without their father.

Part 2

Part 3

Beth has become the adored friend of Mr Laurence. Amy has met with an accident for which Jo is morally responsible.

Part 4

Mrs March has gone to Washington to nurse her husband.

Part 5

Beth has recovered from a serious illness. Jo resents Meg's engagement to John Brooke as it means breaking up the family.

Part 6

Jo has been asked to write her first novel. Meg and John, now married, have their first quarrel.

Part 7

Amy has gone to Europe with Aunt March. Jo, to avoid the persistently amorous Laurie, has taken a job as a governess in New York. At home, Beth's health is causing concern.

Part 8

Jo has returned from New York to find Beth gravely ill. Laurie, heartbroken that Jo can never return his love, has gone to Europe with his grandfather.

Part 9

Beth has died and in France, Laurie has gone to Amy to comfort her. Jo has embarked on an important literary undertaking.