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Winds of War is one of the biggest tv productions from the early 80s. Robert Mitchum stars as the US Naval Attache to Berlin, 1939-41, as Czechoslovakia falls without a shot, the Germans invade Poland, France falls, the British begin to fight back helped by US lend-lease, & the Germans invade Russia. The series ends with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour and Germany & Italy declaring war on the USA. There are two main themes to the miniseries. First, Mitchum's role as intelligence officer and advisor to Roosevelt, as the US determines its European policy. We see Mitchum meeting Hitler and members of his cabinet, together with big German bankers & industrialists, in luxurious surroundings. The beautiful schlosses, the culture, and the clothes seduce both the viewer and Mitchum's rather silly wife, who flirts with an American industrialist involved in the Manhattan project. As Roosevelt begins to rely more on Mitchum's judgement, he is sent to Italy, England, & other parts of Europe, both as observer and envoy. The second main theme is how even priveleged Jews were treated all over Europe. The series steers clear of the oft-told tale of German represssion of its own jewish citizens, to show how Jews were treated as second-class citizens across Europe, even if they were US diplomats or acclaimed scholars. The viewer's sympathies are engaged by Ali McGraw's fiercely courageous independent character, by Topol's irrepressible joie de vivre, and by John Houseman's deeply thoughtful intellectualism. Despite her maturity as a romantic lead here, McGraw is pursued by a high-flying diplomat and by Mitchum's hitherto aimless son, to whom McGraw and the war give purpose. McGraw's travel's around Europe are an excuse for broadening the story and some beautiful location shooting. However, she probably makes a couple of trips too many for the plot to make any sense. Early on, there is a lack of ensemble feel to the acting, especially with Polly Bergen's character, and some of the explanatory dialogue is a little too on-the-nose for most viewers. However, Mitchum is always great, and the acting around him improves as the series progresses. Ralph Bellamy, as Roosevelt is a treat, and Deborah Winters develops into an unexpectedly strong character in the final episode. Overall, this is a decently-acted, lavish costume drama, and quite educational for Brits to see American policy towards Europe explained in some detail. The post-1941 story is continued in the sequel, War & Remembrance. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Winds of War is one of the most lavish WW 2 Drama Series ever produced for Television. Robert Mitchum plays the part of the Military Attache sent by the President of the then Neutral United States to assess the Strength of Adolph Hitler's Third Reich in the lead-up to War. He ends up in every other Allied and Enemy country during the course of this series. Great viewing and very realistic re-creations of World Events at that time. A huge cast of famous Actors turn up to boost each episode. Excellent Entertainment and definitely not one to be missed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A totally engaging and captivating, no expense spared, mini series, featuring a family, headed up by the superb Robert Mitchum. Series starts pre WW2 and continues into the early years of the film and the uprising of the Nazi regime, and the attrocitity committed against Jews, originally ignored by American and British authorities and passed off as propaganda. Mitchum's son's wife and child, and her uncle, of Jewish faith, try to escape from Italy as it becomes clear the Nazis were up to. Haunting, often disturbing, but brilliantly filmed, this is a masterpiece. I would urge you to watch. A sequel to this series was made, War and Remembrance, which is also available and continues the story through to an end which will make tears fill your eyes, and a lump appear in your throat. On occasions I wanted to hit the TV I was so angry at what I was watching, with the actions of the Nazi regime. It will haunt you and is an everlasting reminder of the evil they did. One can't begin to imagine, but this film teaches you what did. Some of the Characters actors change in the sequel. Jane Seymour comes in for Ali McGraw for example, but it is not to the detriment of this classic. A must watch at any cost. You'll be glad you did.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Wow wow. What great dvd boxset this is.. Very entertaining. The quality of boxset is very inoresive you won't be disapointed. The back of the dvd isn't misleading. The dvd came quickly this supplier can be trusted 100% dvds are clean scratch free. No issues
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Full of suspense and tension throughout. Shows clearly the political and personal side of WW2 . Wonderful acting excellent settings and sensitive treatment of the subject.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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