The story takes place during the Civil War. Mrs. March (Emily Watson)'s husband (Dylan Baker) went to the front to take care of the wounded, leaving his wife and four lovely little daughters to look after the house. Although all the pressures of life at home fell on Mrs. March alone, this kind, enthusiastic and capable lady was always able to tidy up the house and arrange everything. Meg (Willa Fitzgerald) inherited her mother's gentleness and virtue, and looked like a lady from a noble family. Amy (Kathryn Newton) is obsessed with paintings and longs to be influenced by art. Beth (Annes Elwy) has an extraordinary talent in music, and Joe (Maya Hawke) is quirky, lively and active, with a head full of strange ideas. Under the guidance of Mrs. March, the four girls explored their own paths in life and gradually grew into outstanding, independent and self-respecting women.