Editorial Review:

Product Description:
The first two years of WWII, before U.S. involvement, as seen through the eyes of a naval commander stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Genre: Television
Rating: NR
Release Date: 1-MAY-2007
Media Type: DVD

Amazon.com:
An engrossing, 1983 television miniseries based on a bestselling work of historical fiction by Herman Wouk, The Winds of War is an admirable production reminiscent of the era of Hollywood's epic features. At the center of the globe-trotting story is the Henry family, whose laconic but straight-shooting patriarch is United States Navy Commander Victor "Pug" Henry (Robert Mitchum), sent to Hitler's Berlin in the spring of 1939 as a naval attaché to the then-neutral American embassy. A keen observer, Pug deduces that Germany is not preparing for war on two fronts (western Europe on one side, Russia on the other) despite what the Nazis want the world to believe, meaning that Hitler must be working out a secret peace deal with Stalin. Pug's prescience makes him a favorite eyewitness in Berlin for Franklin D. Roosevelt (Ralph Bellamy); the irony is that Pug is far less sagacious when it comes to the realities of his family.

Polly Bergen plays unhappy wife Rhoda, who turns to A-bomb developer Palmer Kirby (Peter Graves) for comfort. Pug's 19-year-old daughter, Madeline (Lisa Eilbacher), defies her iron-willed dad's decision that she stay in school by taking a job for CBS radio in New York. Compliant son Warren (Ben Murphy) can't seem to get Pug's attention despite doing everything right (including becoming a Navy pilot, eventually present at the bombing of Pearl Harbor). By contrast, Pug spends more time fuming over black sheep son Byron (Jan-Michael Vincent), who is working in increasingly Fascist Italy as an assistant to an art historian (John Houseman) while trying hard to woo the latter's exasperating niece, Natalie (Ali MacGraw). The story of Byron and Natalie takes up much of The Winds of War as the pair traverse Poland during the shock of Hitler's 1939 assault, and Jewish Natalie later finds herself trapped inside Italy facing the threat of concentration camps. Before The Winds of War ends, each of these characters will end up in places and situations, and with historical figures (Churchill, Mussolini) as well as ordinary people, they would not have anticipated outside the pressures of war. The program's length and smart script allow for a lot of ideas and background detail that pull a viewer in--happily. --Tom Keogh

I ordered this set for my husband's birthday because he loves war movies. He had seen it when it came out on TV. I don't remember ever watching it. I wasn't sure what to expect. I think the acting of Jan-Michael Vincent and Ali MacGraw are cheesy to say the least. Especially MacGraw. Robert Mitchum does a good job. The show on a whole is ok. It is long. So expect several nights of watching. I also bought War and Remembrance. I'm glad Ali MacGraw will not be in that one, I don't think I could have taken much more of her acting "or lack of".

Average Rating:

Rating: - Overall OK
I ordered this set for my husband's birthday because he loves war movies. He had seen it when it came out on TV. I don't remember ever watching it. I wasn't sure what to expect. I think the acting of Jan-Michael Vincent and Ali MacGraw are cheesy to say the least. Especially MacGraw. Robert Mitchum does a good job. The show on a whole is ok. It is long. So expect several nights of watching. I also bought War and Remembrance. I'm glad Ali MacGraw will not be in that one, I don't think I could have taken much more of her acting "or lack of".

Rating: - Winds of War
So far, it is excellent - have not yet looked at all of the DVDs
Will buy War and Remembrance aftwer the price comes down to a lower level

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Rating: - It is exactly what my parents wanted!!!!!!!!
My parents had been looking for this series for quite some time. I found it on your site and they were thrilled when I gave it to them. Thanks for making my parents very HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Rating: - historical fiction
Winds of War is based on Herman Wouk's novel with the same name. It covers the time leading up to the beginning of WWII. It seems to be historically accurate and includes facts about Germany and Hitler that aren't readily known. The actors fit their parts, especially Polly Bergen and Robert Mitchum. We have thoroughly enjoyed this mini series and will watch it again and again.

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Rating: - Happily found old favorite
I lost my copy of The Winds of War in a flood. I was so happy to find this set and in such
pristine condition.

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