The tumultuous period in American history leading up to (and including) the Civil War provided a colorful backdrop for this phenomenally popular 1985 miniseries, a sprawling saga produced on a grand scale, featuring some of Hollywood's legendary stars in key supporting roles. North and South certainly did justice to the epic novels of John Jakes from which it was adapted; in fact, to this day some viewers believe that the miniseries actually improved on the source material. The dramatic events of these years--including the Mexican-American War, the abolitionist movement, the formation of the Confederacy, and the subsequent war to restore the Union--are played out as they affect two best friends who meet as West Point cadets: Orry Main (Patrick Swayze), whose South Carolina family owns a plantation and keeps slaves, and George Hazard (James Read), scion of a wealthy Pennsylvania family in the steel business. Over a period of years their families become close and their friendship strengthens, only to be tested when the Civil War forces them to take up arms against one another. Veteran TV director Richard T. Heffron, juggled innumerable plot threads and shifts of tone with admirable dexterity, and the original 561-minute extravaganza boasted a supporting cast that included Lesley-Anne Down, Wendy Kilbourne, Kirstie Alley, David Carradine, Jean Simmons, Jonathan Frakes, Forest Whitaker, and Morgan Fairchild, as well as Old Hollywood superstars Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Mitchum, and Gene Kelly. Like most miniseries of this length and complexity, North and South has some dull stretches here and there, but for the most part it makes extraordinarily gripping entertainment, and the passage of two decades since the original airing has not diminished its allure. North and South: The Complete Collection not only includes North and South, but also the sequels North and South II (1986) and North and South III (1994), as well as the retrospective documentary "The History of North and South," featuring interviews with author, cast, and crew. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)
North and South: The Complete Collection
Warner, 5 discs, 1,392 min., not rated, DVD: $69.98 January 10, 2005
North and South: The Complete Collection
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