North & South: Book 2, Love & War (1986) User Reviews (27)

Love conquers war and friendship divisions

[marcin_kukuczka · 8/10 · 1 April 2007]

This comment discusses "North and South Book II" dealing with the Civil War (1861-1865).

As I have mentioned in my comment on "North and South Book I", the movie absorbed me so much that I felt an undeniable need to see its sequel based on John Jakes' novel LOVE AND WAR. However, as sequels on screen usually tend to be worse than the originals, one may have doubts: at first different credits, a different director, some changes in the cast...nevertheless, from the beginning, "North and South Book II" appears to be good in a more or less equal but unique way... yet surely different.

Why will you find it different? The Civil War content inevitably draws your attention not so primarily to the families' saga, as it was the case with Book I, but rather to history and politics. Although the sequel retains most characters from the Maines and the Hazards, it contains such historic figures like Abraham Lincoln, Robert Lee, Ulysses Grant and Jefferson Davis. There are pure facts embedded in the story, there are battles, imprisonments, executions, there are also dreams of peace. Therefore, "North and South Book II" is very educative as a historical piece of work, as an insight into a nightmare of war, and as a provider of historical imagination since the past comes to life here.

Old characters are the same, yet different, war changes them in time, makes them tired of hardship and cruelty that war has brought. They start to long for peace. It is simply unbelievable how, for instance, Virgilia Hazard (Kirstie Alley) changes - from a fanatical abolitionist into a nurse supposed to help both northerners and southerners. Couples in love face separations, friends divisions, and the elderly loneliness. The whole country seems to go mad (as in any war). Dreams of honor and righteousness seem to belong to the days of yore. Yet, finally, it is not the evil of war that wins.

There is, however, one significant fact to mention about these old characters. Some of them seem to me a bit less fascinating than in Book I. That is my only complaint to the sequel. Richard T Heffron, the director of the first part, seemed to care more for the development of characters. Perhaps, the historical facts absorbed Kevin Connor so much that he allowed some shortage in this case. That does not refer to all characters from Book I but some, mostly those performed by different cast: Billy Hazard (now Parker Stevenson) and Isabel (now Mary Crosby). However, I loved some new characters, in particular Augusta Barclay (Kate McNeil) and Rafe Beaudeen (Lee Horsley). Both head for helping other people, both find love; yet, what is ahead of them is only a nightmare...

Someone said that the performances are weak. I don't agree with this opinion, there may be a drawback in character development but the acting is equally great as in Book I. I even admit that Book II is worth attention in this case due to beautifully characterized Hal Holbrook as President Abraham Lincoln and especially appealing Anthony Zerbe as General Ulysses Grant...consider the moment he drinks apple juice while others accuse him of drinking too much whiskey. Zerbe is a terrific actor and that part of Grant is one of his best performances. James Read and Patrick Swayze again shine in their roles as well as Kirstie Alley and Terri Garber. I also admire Lewis Stone for his charismatic part of Charles hardened by war but softened by love. Some guest appearances are also worth consideration, including Olivia de Havilland and late James Stewart.

Both parts of NORTH AND SOUTH constitute wonderful history lesson, but history which is not filled with neutral facts but history filled with emotions. This mini series made me interested in American Civil War the results of which cried out how important it is to live in peace. That Palm Sunday of 1865 should always remind America that peace is the only way and even if there are storms of hatred, prejudice and divisions, true love will conquer them in the end. See both parts of "North and South" and you'll see that it is a history on screen watched in tears. Highly recommended! 8/10!

Another wonderful plot from John Jakes!

[baby_girl_sc · 9/10 · 21 August 2001]

Well, what can I say about the sequal to the best Civil War movie ever made. The same cast was there including a few new ones, and I happy to see old Bent get his in the end, and Ashton too. Although Bent did come back in the third movie. What was that about? This movie depicted a very accurate account of the events during the Civil War and shortly afterward. If you have seen the first movie, and then watch the second. It is not disappointing. Patrick Swayze and James Ried are at their absolute best. The cast and crew pulled off a second hit!

The saga continues--in good form...

[Doylenf · 7/10 · 28 October 2007]

NORTH AND SOUTH, BOOK II has to be one of the best TV mini-series ever made about the Civil War. Everything about it is epic, including the battle scenes and the scope of the story which uses the Civil War background in an interesting way. Many real-life personalities are woven into the story of love and friendship during the war--including HAL HOLBROOK, impressive as Abraham Lincoln, and LLOYD BRIDGES as Jefferson Davis.

Once again, the fortunes of the Hazzarads and the Mains is told in interesting vignettes that take shape as the story progresses through the start of the war until the end. Along the way, you'll recognize a lot of famous names, including KIRSTIE ALLEY, in one of her unlikeliest dramatic roles, OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND, David CARRADINE, LESLEY-ANNE DOWN, PARKER STEVENSON, PATRICK SWAYZE, LEE HORSLEY, JEAN SIMMONS and JAMES STEWART. Olivia de Havilland has told an amusing anecdote of how she only accepted the role of Mrs. Neal, the head nurse, when told that she tended to the wounded of both North and South--since the South had already only known her as Melanie, the flower of southern womanhood in GWTW.

Photographed in color, it's exceptionally well filmed with sets and costumes that are above reproach. Aside from the romantic angle, it presents an accurate picture of the Civil War era and is a sort of history lesson as well as a compelling drama.

Well worth viewing and every bit as impressive as Book I.

North and South book one and two

[peters159-1 · 23 June 2006]

Better late than never. I do not watch T.V. I try, I really do but then the commercials come on and you soon forget what you're suppose to be watching. Anyway, my favorite niece came to town and asked me if I would tape north and south for her, before I knew what I was getting into I said yes. It took several days, a week, I think, before the first installment was over. By then I was in shock because while taping the series for her I "paused" over the commercials. I was exhausted when I finally handed her the tapes. But something had happened to me. I liked what I saw. I was looking through my "movie catalog" and noticed that both books were available on DVD. I bought them. I like a good story and North and South were very good TV adaptations. The production values were outstanding and the costumes, especially for the ladies, were a real eye treat. And yes, I read the first book and although there were differences it didn't stop me from enjoying the mini-series. The scope of the undertaking outdoes Gone With The Wind and the acting was up to anything the movies might offer. One of the things I like about north and south was how they didn't avoid the slavery issue as so many films about that era does ( I never could figure that out.) Anyone who likes a good story told at an interesting pace should love north and south. It should not be missed. Thank you.

Excellent continuation!

[Starbuck-13 · 10/10 · 6 November 2000]

This "sequel" is in no way a let down to the first season. In these episodes, the battle is raging and friends become enemies.

Parker Stevenson gets on board and portrays the Billy Hazard character with much more intensity than his predecessor was able to. In the same moment, his film wife Brett (Genie Francis) gets better and better and suddenly develops unexpected power.

The best scenes are those when the old friends suddenly meet on the battlefield - splendid storytelling here!

I have to recommend these two mini-series as the best TV productions of all time - when you love epic stories about friendship, love and tragedy, watch this one!

A Civil War Sequel!

[CosmicDwellings · 10/10 · 27 February 2007]

Book One of this great mini-series ended on the brink of the Civil War, and now with Book Two, based on John Jakes' novel "Love & War", we are thrown dramatically into the unfolding of the proceedings.

The North and the South are greatly divided in this full scale war which is beautifully staged on the screen with some very tense battles of hatred and prejudice.

However, throughout all the warfare that is taking place we are taken on a further journey of the Pennsylvanian Hazard family and the South Carolina Main family. The story not only unfolds through the eyes of best friends, George & Orry but includes the trials and tribulations of other members of their families. We have a fine supporting cast once again, even though we have a couple of new players they appear to enhance their character's stories - Parker Stevenson as Billy Hazard and Mary Crosby as Isabell Hazard.

Book Two also features the great acting mimicry of Hal Holbrook as Abraham Lincoln, and also a big congratulations to the make-up department in aiding with his portrayal.

North & South: Book Two is a must-see and a must-buy for any Civil War enthusiast, as well as any fan of the Hazard and Main families. This mini-series must be regarded as one of the best TV sequels of all-time!

one of the best movies of all time

[uenna-1 · 10/10 · 30 September 2005]

I watched North and South several years ago and fell in Love with this awesome tale of love and friendship that endured all. It was a very inspiring tale of friendship and a hallmark for the meaning of true humanity. The actors and actresses were brilliant. I think James Read and Patrick Swayze along with the rest of the cast gave magic and life to a fantastic story by a master story teller -John Jakes. At the time in the late eighties when I watched it for the first time, I knew nothing of a book 3. You can imagine my excitement when I heard of the book 3. I finally acquired the complete set(Bk's 1, 2, 3) on video and waited with bated breath to view the continuation of book 2 in bk 3, but alas, was I disappointed. Recently I acquired the DVD collection of Books 1 & 2, and relived the joy and excitement of one of the best TV mini series / movie of all time with my family. Needless to say that my family love this movies as much as I do. Having also read the books, I think I preferred the script writers version of Book 2,to the account in the book. I wished the script writers had done better on the book 3. I agree with all other reviews of book 3, it was a big let down. For me and my family, we decided that book 3 does not exist. So I recommend this movie very strongly to all who love good movies, good soaps and good factual / historical movies. The movies ignited my interest in the American civil war and having done some reading and research on that, I can tell you that the movie is historically factual and accurate. Well done John Jakes and thank you for such a wonderful story. It has everything and the music is the best part. Enjoy this movie and remember that pure friendship is anchored in true love. If we all strive for that then there will be no need for war.

Spellbounding,I couldn't stop watching.

[eviecarj · 10/10 · 27 March 2000]

As a result of seeing this for the 1st time 2wks ago I had to order my own series. Now I'm waiting with intensity for it. Great portrayal of events happening during that time. They did not skate over the slavery issue. The relationship between families and friends was substained during horrible time. The girl who played Ashton was our own scarlet ohara. Casting great, a Patrick Swayze I have never seen before. He and Lesley Ann Down had a special chemistry that played off each other great. Every time I heard the music played as they met there was an intensity in it. Great period customs,the setting was great. David Carradine and Genie Francis,Reed, so many great actors and actress. Don't forget Kristie Alley, she gave a strong performance. Seen her in lighter roles, but here she was outstanding. One thing that I can appreciate also was a saying by the president that Orry Main repeated at his mom's funeral. It goes something like this. "With malice toward none", let us bind up the nations wounds,have charity for all....This is the kind of nation we need. We need one also, where we would forget about past hurts,because concentrating on them, keeps us in the past. This is a movie that makes you want to go on and achieve.

Poor acting!

[lissiemd · 7/10 · 26 January 2005]

I have to say that both Books I and II are good stories, but the acting leaves a bit to be desired. Patrick Swayze reminds me of William Shatner in his attempts to act. Both try too hard to make their feelings shown on their faces. It's unnerving to watch. And this is suppose to be a romantic drama, but the kissing leaves more to be desired. There was absolutely no chemistry between Orry and Madeline! Every time they kissed, I wondered if Leslie was turned off by Patrick's breath like Viven Leigh was to Clark Gable's in Gone with the Wind. Orry never actually kissed her, just opened his mouth on her cheek.Gross! I know that most actors "screen kiss" but this was a little too obvious to me, like watching a BAD soap opera, but then most soap operas fall into the bad category anyways. James Reed did an excellent job as George and without him, I fear the mini series would have been doomed. Event though the cameos by Liz Taylor and Gene Kelly and James Stewart make this a keepsake of cinema, I think this miniseries would fair better to be remade today. The acting was just not up to par. I haven't seen Book III yet, and from what I have read here, that might be a good thing! All in all, this is a good series to watch if you are really bored with todays television and want to get lost in American History (although brutally fabricated in its historic details.)

North and South is a movie mini-series based on the Civil War and Slavery issues.

[panorvelle · 10/10 · 26 February 2006]

I learned a lot from watching North and South. There were some issues about Slavery which was brought up, that I had not known about. I absolutely adore Kirstie Alley! This was also the movie/mini-series that got me interested in Patrick Swayze. I had not known anything about him until that point. Patrick Swayze's character as "Orry Mane" not sure of spelling, was very believable. I also truly enjoyed Kirstie Alley's role. In my personal opinion, this was her best performance ever. You really should see it. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, make this a spectacular and believable movie. Make sure you have plenty of hankies ready. It will make you cry from sorrow, anger, and even cry out with joy!

not as good as the first

[hersheyrose23 · 7/10 · 10 November 2004]

Now I didn't see this when it originally aired I am too young for that I was only five. But, about nine years ago they replayed it on FAM and I became enthralled with the story. My only thing was I hate how it ended. Way too abrupt. My fascination with the civil war era extends to more than movies but I had to give credit for their keeping with the continuity of the picture. The dresses were beautiful and they picked superb actors for the roles. It's just to bad we haven't seen many of the actors in other movies since. I believe that I saw the girl that played I think it was Billy either that or that was her husband, well I saw her on an episode of Darma and Greg about two years ago.

DVD Now Available

[abonnielass51 · 10/10 · 7 January 2006]

At www.timelife.com you can now order all three parts of the mini series. Great price also. I have tried to find this mini series for years on DVD and was not successful. I am now so very glad that this series is available in DVD and all three of them not just one. These stories are stories of love and hate and is told with passion and soul. I live in the south and when I see movies like this, It gives me a little better understanding of the suffering that went on there but the movie is so very good showing that no matter what the differences- we can overcome all obstacles and become better people and a better nation. I am thankful for this .

Terri Garber

[thomas-rothschild · 7/10 · 6 August 2022]

This series could be enjoyable, if there wasn't the constant overacting of Terri Garber as the female villain. Her permanent change from smiles to mischief in her facial expression seems to have no end. Even David Carradine is a likeable character in comparison to her. Garbers' dilettantism spoils the merits of North & South. Terri Garber earns an award for the worst acting in American TV. And the directors are to be taken into responsibility for not avoiding the crudest clichés of malignity and intrigue. This applies to Book I as well as to Book II. And by the way, talking about clichés: the depiction of the revolutionary Virginia should at least now be regarded as denunciatory. Only American "patriots" find it necessary to have her steel silver. Imagine a film in which a fighter against Putin is characterized like this woman in opposition to slavery.

Good Miniseries on its own right, very poor rendition from the book

[victorbm-2 · 5/10 · 23 October 2005]

I saw this miniseries when it first came out, and loved it. Years later I read the books and then, rented the entire miniseries. I have to say that I was very, very disappointed.

On its own, this is a very good made for TV story. It is also an excellent history lesson. As an adaptation from the book, it sucks. The story has been butchered and messed with beyond recognition (by the time book 2 is reached). There are too many important details and characters which are left out from the story. This defeats the purpose, because the book does not only show us the most commonly known events and issues of the period; but lesser known, yet important things, like southerner's against slavery (Orry's older brother, who does not exist in the movie), the politics and corruption in Washington and the weapon\procurements deals, just to name a few.

The only aspect of the movie that is better than the book is sergeant Bent, the treatment of his character is more realistic, the book's treatment of the character is too childish.

This is a great story, full of history and character studies, it is sad that the movie does not remain faithful to the book. "The Winds of War" proofs that made for TV adaptations can remain extremely faithful to the book in letter and spirit; and this, makes "North and South" inexcusable.

Excellent in every way shape or form.

[flagstar16 · 18 March 2003]

Nothing I say here will be new, save for a few words on Lewis Smith I'll get to momentarily. I loved everything about Book I and Book II of the North and South saga. (As far as I'm concerned, Book III doesn't exist.) And although the series strays from the book in many ways, that shouldn't and doesn't matter when speaking of the series as a seperate and totally independent entity. It stands on its own and tells the story it wants to tell regardless of Cooper Main or any other plot lines ommitted. To include every single detail of John Jakes's novels would be utterly pointless and drag down the flow of a story in a medium that demands action and visual stimulation to keep its audience interested. Too much exposition is never good for a movie or a series. I for one, who DID enjoy the books just as much, applaud the directors and screenplay writers for NOT trying to parallel the text word for word.

As everyone has said, the acting in both parts was superb. James Read and Patrick Swayze yes, but also Leslie Anne Down, Wendy Kilbourne-Read (she and James really did get married in real life, isn't that cool?) Parker Stevenson (a drastic improvement from John Stockwell) Phillip Casnoff and David Carridine (whom we all love to hate) Terri Garber and Genie Francis. But I have to say I'm disappointed that more people here have not commented on Lewis Smith's portrayal of Charles Main in both books, who perhaps goes through just as much development of character as Orry, and Smith does it flawlessly. A great actor and a highly overlooked and underrated performance, Lewis Smith is simply awesome as Charles Main.

The story is about passion, love, romance, desire-yes. But more than that, it is about friendship. No other series, movie or tv show has ever displayed such a complex love story, love not only between lovers, but between friends, and no one should ever try. Rating North and South on a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a smashing 95!

The Hazards and the Mains - The War Years

[bkoganbing · 10/10 · 9 January 2016]

Continuing the superb tradition of the first North And South miniseries, North And South Book II takes the saga of the northern Hazard and southern Main families through the Civil War. Despite the greatest crisis in the history of the USA, the Damon/Pythias type bond between James Read and Patrick Swayze remains unbroken though it is severely tested.

Most of the cast from the original series has been retained and a lot of plot situations are resolved. The series does end on a tragic and poignant note yet the Hazards and Mains endure as the country endures.

The characters played by Kirstie Alley and Terri Garber whose activities fueled a lot of the drama in the original series come to a sad end. One dies and one is thoroughly disgraced. The Congressman played by David Ogden Stiers proves to be a total rat insofar as Alley's relationship is concerned. As for Alley betrays her honest but thickheaded husband Jim Metzer with an affair with Philip Casnoff. In the first series Casnoff who is a cruel and sadistic sort with delusions of grandeur becomes Swayze's and Read's mortal enemy.

Big name stars like James Stewart and Olivia DeHavilland have some prominent supporting roles, Stewart as a courtly Charleston lawyer and DeHavilland as Dorothea Dix's assistant and Alley's supervisor when she becomes a nurse. Stewart functions as the legal adviser to Lesley Anne-Down the beloved of Patrick Swayze. They finally marry here, but by no means is the drama over between them and Stewart plays a small part in it.

Playing more prominent roles in the second installment are Hal Holbrook and Lloyd Bridges as Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis respectively. Both Read and Swayze serve on the staffs of their presidents and are witness to a lot of historical events.

Battles like Antietam, the Wilderness, and Petersburg are faithfully recreated. All in all producer David Wolper did a fine job showing the times and the issues.

The Birth Of A Nation was described as living history, but both the first and second North And South are far better history.

Lots of love and lots of war - well made

[phd_travel · 10/10 · 20 June 2013]

This second part of the North and South saga is well made and delivers quite what the title states: Love and War. There are some well choreographed battle scenes that are quite grand for a TV movie and exciting because unlike some other civil war movies you know what is going on and who is fighting who. The "love" is quite romantic.

Some faults: There are some silly parts that are more comic relief than anything especially Alkanah Bent & Ashton Main Huntoon's plotting. Madeline's saintliness is a bit annoying too. The change of cast is a bit distracting. Parker Stevenson takes over as Billy Hazzard and is a bit expressionless.

It's actually quite moving when the war ends.

There are some big time guest stars including Olivia de Havilland and James Stewart.

Keeps you entertained from start to finish.

Superb second part of the mini-series

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 8/10 · 20 February 2013]

I'll keep my review of the second half of the mini-series brief. Suffice it to say that the excellence of the first half of the mini-series continues, unabated, here. In fact, special credit should go to the excellent manner in which Civil War battle scenes are staged, and how the authors and producers showed enough battles to get the essence of the dramatic suffering the Civil War caused. In fact, I don't recall a film or television series that better en-capsulized the glory and suffering as well. It's exceptional.

There were a few cast changes here. Parker Stevenson does very well as one of the younger members of the Hazard family in the fray of battle. Lloyd Bridges joins the cast as Jefferson Davis, and does very well (although the authors and producers apparently decided not to portray Davis as emotionally challenged). It's wonderful to see Olivia de Havilland as a "head nurse", particularly considering her starring role in GWTW. James Stewart and Anthony Zerbe have good turns here, the latter as U.S. Grant.

Terri Garber continues -- unfortunately -- to play her character as if she was the reincarnation of Scarlett O'Hara. But if I had to give a worst actor award, it would certainly be to Wayne Newton (ugh!) who is sickening in his portrayal as a sleazy head of one of the South's most infamous prisons. Of course, his character pays for his sins, but it would have been better had Newton paid for his, as well. His performance alone is going to cost this part of the mini-series one star.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend this mini-series. Probably the best depiction of the "big picture" of the Civil War, without getting mired down into battle after battle.

North and South, part two

[jamesjustice-92 · 9/10 · 20 April 2023]

I have acquired a copy of North and South on March 12th and could it be a coincidence that I started watching this series the day after John Jakes, the author of the book trilogy, died or was I meant to watch and fall in love with the adaptation of his grand work? I believe there are certain things that are bound to happen and I'm sure glad it happened to me.

Book II begins rapidly with so many different plotlines and new characters presented, and by the end of the first hour we're already in battle. In this series battles are being fought everywhere, both in and out of the battlefields with emphasis on love's trials and tribulations and war related matters which is where actually the subtitle for the series comes from.

What differs Love and War from Book I is that Orry and George-centric storylines are now shared with political debates and military strategies almost equally but still leaning toward personal battles which is a good thing: the vicissitudes between the series' many characters, with its eloquently written dialogues are a joy to watch.

The friendship is the core of this series and how strongly it holds despite all odds: people may be on the opposite sides of the barricades but they are still bonded by something much mightier than anything else in the world - love. No matter how far gone your personalities from one another, if you are able to put your differences aside, bear the grudges and find common ground, mutual sentiment, love and respect for one another then it is something no war can ever destroy.

The phenomenon of the Civil War is truly fascinating from the historical standpoint and we see it firsthand through North and South. We see people angry at each other for being born in different places, with different beliefs, we see people so stubborn and intolerant toward one another that they would rather die than say they are wrong, we see friends changing their shoes and betraying each other the very minute the war is declared but whose war is it? Surely not those who stand by their friends and family, choose kindness over anger, reason over foolishness and love over war.

This war divides people but by doing so it unites them when both sides start asking a handful of questions. Why are we fighting? Who are fighting? Who is the enemy? What are we fighting for? Little by little they come to the realization that they cannot exist without each other and it's a great pity that so many died for all the rest to learn that lesson. This series has really made me want to sink in the history of the Civil War but I'm sure I will not get as much out of history books as I have already gotten from this superb miniseries.

Love and War utilizes so many set pieces, recreates the whole streets with buildings (the opening sequence to the first episode alone opens up your mouth and eyes wide at how big and grandiose the sets actually were), it choreographs the battle scenes a bit too amateurishly for my taste, with all those explosions, shootouts, armies of people marching on but splendidly nonetheless - simply because war plays a second fiddle in this great big story: love always comes first.

By the end of the last episode in Book II you not only feel like a part of Hazard/Main family, you become one for real. The end of the war brings you some kind of relief and a whole lot of tears along with it but deep down you know there's so much more to be done and although I've heard Book III is nowhere near as good as the first two I would hope to see otherwise.

Very Strong Sequel

[denis888 · 10/10 · 15 December 2017]

The Second Book of the North & South epic is equally strong, compelling, thrilling and deep. The same stellar cast plus many more depicting such huge figures as General Lee, Grant, Lincoln or Davies are added and the sheen is brighter, the tension is more palpable and war scenes are terrifyingly brutal, honest, bloody and severaly sobering. The cruelty of war and the effect the bloodbath has on people are depicted well, we see ther main duo of Swayze and Read with all the misfortunes and bravery they show, as well as several more evil and benevolent characters all trhough this epic serial. My personal favorites go to the final battle which happened at the Siege of Petersburg, next battle to be which was very suprisingly interrupted and a very chilling and deep Appomatox surrender scene filled with palbale nervousness and sadness. I obviously do recommend this second Book as a great and almost flalwss portrayal of turbulent and tragic war times wuth all bravery, cowardice, valor and hatred.

This is my favorite mini series

[kurt7825 · 10/10 · 14 June 2021]

My mom really liked it to. We watched it years ago on the farm. All the episodes were very good.

Who writes these reviews?

[mafdenver · 3/10 · 6 May 2021]

This just wasn't very good - even by soap opera standards. Swayze's back with his bad acting and wavy mullet intact. The men have a little silver sprayed at their temples; the women haven't aged in 25 years. The B-list soap stars of the 80's deliver what one would expect in hammy acting. Evil cackles, sneers, flounces, and bad accents.

WOW

[luv4xfiles · 10 January 2000]

North and South was a fantastic movie and North and South II is just as good! I wish they made movies like that still... the acting... the directing... everything was fabulous in the 2! I hope they never make a remake so these two get as much glory as they deserve! Congratulations to all who worked on t

The Main Hazard Family Saga continues......

[adrian2umortal · 11 April 2003]

In 1985 ABC TV debuted a tv mini series that garnered everyone's attention from all races creeds and colors. North and South made Patrick Swayze an overnight success as a leading male star. James Read was already a tv star wth NBC TV's Remington Steele. This mini series is the first in three mini series based on John Jakes's civil war novels. North and South ran one whole week as did the sequel North and South Book II, Love and War. Book III Heaven and Hell ran only 3 nights and were not that big a deal as the first two books in the series. It was as if though ABC TV wanted to wrap up all loose ends that went undone with the first two series. Time Warner Home Video has declined to transfer all 3 mini series to DVD format. It is always the same sorry excuse each and every time. There are currently no plans at this time to release this series on to DVD.

Disappointing

[livia1881 · 9 September 2002]

Book I was great. The costumes, the locations, the plot, the writing and the casting were all perfect. Book II and Book III were both disappointing in this viewer's opinion. Think Dallas taking place around the Civil War. I don't understand how the follow-ups could be so weak. This is too bad as I believe this series could have been a classic.