War and Peace (1972) Parts 19 & 20

 

Episode Nineteen- The Road to Life

An episode that shows the aftermath of the war once the French have been expelled from Russia culminates in a ceremony to honour General Kutusov whereas behind closed doors we see the Tsar expressing some dissatisfaction as to the way the campaign was conducted. The old man ends up having to agree that he needs to retire as the Tsar decides he will lead the army from now on. Frank Middlemass is often an actor of large gestures but his work in this scene is subtly still yet with just a hint of the disdain the Marshal clearly feels towards the country’s ruler. Outside a grand ball continues as if nothing has happened in recent years.

Pierre is back with a spring in his step especially once he reconnects with Natasha who has turned up at the invitation of Maria. Thugh they are still mourning Andrei, there is something of a mutual attraction between Natasha and Pierre, something which was mentioned ages ago. Though these scenes of the three of them are essentially retelling events we have seen in recent episodes, Anthony Hopkins’ boisterous Pierre is a highlight of the episode and he quotes from Platin again about life being the day to day living of it. Once he’s said this it is something Natasha concurs with bringing them even closer.

Episode Twenty- An Epilogue

You know how in some series you wish you knew what happened later, after the narrative has finished? Starting in 1820 this episode sketches out the years following the main events as we catch up with the now married Pierre and Natasha and also Nikolai and Maria who also are wed. I was pleased about the latter if only because Maria has seemed so miserable throughout the series and here Angela Down gets the chance to be happy for once and her smile lights up the screen. Faith Brook also shines even though the Countess has become a somewhat grumpy old woman. This brings the best out of the actor who convinces completely as her characters rails against Bonaparte whom she blames for everything conveniently forgetting how her behaviour hasn’t always helped the family.

The centerpiece of the episode is a lively debate between Pierre and Nicolai which is symbolic of the different opinions of the way Russia should go – there’s the traditionalist, Tsarist Nikolai and the progressive people power leaning Pierre. The latter says later that while words for Nikolai are simply a way of passing the time, for him they are a preparation for action. “Change is sweeping through Europe” he declares and herein lie the seeds of what would much later become the Russian Revolution of curse. One of the final scenes sees Pierre musing on what Russia might be like one hundred years hence and of course he would probably be satisfied with the result.

So ends this monumental series which packs in a lot placing its characters at vital moments in this chapter of history. Sumptuously mounted, beautifully filmed and filled with great actors it really is a must see if you’re interested in tv drama.

The Main Cast

The photos with these posts are from the 1972 Radio Times Special. If anyone wants to see the whole magazine, I've put all the scans on the Alt blog. I have a pdf if anyone wants a copy just message me using the form at foot of the right hand column.

Radio Times clips