When we meet the Mains and Hazards again, the Northern and Southern families are pitted against each other as the Civil War unfolds; the miniseries takes us through it. Elaborate, vivid and very entertaining, this first-rate soap offers extravagant battle sequences, thoroughly dedicated leading actors (as well as a few glorified cameos from the likes of James Stewart and Olivia de Havilland), mountains of heartbreak, and sex in all shapes ā used as an instrument of passion, power and punishment. Through it all remains the steadfast friendship between Orry and George. Historical accuracy also remains a real ambition.
1986-U.S. Made for TV. 570 min. Color. Produced byĀ Robert Papazian. Directed byĀ Kevin Connor. Teleplay: Douglas Heyes, Richard Fielder. Novel: John Jakes. Music: Bill Conti. Cast: Patrick Swayze (Orry Main), James Read (George Hazard), Lesley-Anne Down (Madeline Fabray), Wendy Kilbourne, Kirstie Alley, Terri Garberā¦ David Carradine, Jean Simmons, Morgan Fairchild, Forest Whitaker, James Stewart, Olivia de Havilland, Hal Holbrook, Lloyd Bridges, Linda Evans, Wayne Newton, Kurtwood Smith, Bryan Cranston.
Trivia: Originally shown in six episodes. Followed by Heaven & Hell: North and South, Book III (1994).