Lavish 12-hour tv epic from 1983, showing US diplomatic moves in Berlin, 1939-41, as well as the Jewish story in wider Europe. Robert Mitchum stars.
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.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned