If you've read the books, incl. 'War and Remembrance' your assessment of this very long mini series may be less enthusiastic compared to the majority of critics here (mean 8.1!).
Whereas the historical events are quite accurately and excitingly pictured, the casting is partly ridiculous.
1. Robert Mitchum, who BTW didn't believe in the Holocaust, was about 15 years too old to play 50 years old 'Pug' Henry; additionally he didn't act at all. Most time he answered questions with 'No-' or 'Yes Sir', and whatever happened he remained stoic and dispassionate. His face: one expression during the whole movie; strange! 2. Same age difference problem for too old Ali McGraw and Jan-Michale Vincent and their roles, though the acting wasn't that bad. 3. Hitler is represented as a laughable caricature, but not the cunning, charismatic and diabolic personality that 'charmed' a whole, though desperate nation.
Brilliant, however, Polly Bergen, as Pugs shallow, vain wife, who is exclusively interested in herself and her pleasure.
The cinematography is outstanding most of the time. Sometimes you wonder how beautiful people are dressed all of the time and how well they are accommodated, even on the run from the Nazis.
Altogether a quite passable entertainment and history lesson, when you have nothing else to do.
Whereas the historical events are quite accurately and excitingly pictured, the casting is partly ridiculous.
1. Robert Mitchum, who BTW didn't believe in the Holocaust, was about 15 years too old to play 50 years old 'Pug' Henry; additionally he didn't act at all. Most time he answered questions with 'No-' or 'Yes Sir', and whatever happened he remained stoic and dispassionate. His face: one expression during the whole movie; strange! 2. Same age difference problem for too old Ali McGraw and Jan-Michale Vincent and their roles, though the acting wasn't that bad. 3. Hitler is represented as a laughable caricature, but not the cunning, charismatic and diabolic personality that 'charmed' a whole, though desperate nation.
Brilliant, however, Polly Bergen, as Pugs shallow, vain wife, who is exclusively interested in herself and her pleasure.
The cinematography is outstanding most of the time. Sometimes you wonder how beautiful people are dressed all of the time and how well they are accommodated, even on the run from the Nazis.
Altogether a quite passable entertainment and history lesson, when you have nothing else to do.