The Blue and the Gray (The Complete Miniseries)

This is not for historians, this is for the people who have a little knowledge and interest in the Civil War - and likely that is all they want.

For someone looking for a more emotional view of the Civil War, with more 'people and feelings' than true history, then this is a very nice read. It is the fictionalised account of the Geyers and the Hales, cousins - one family of the South, the other from the North, that find themselves divided and fighting each other during the War Between the States in the US. The Geyers were farmers, of the land, though were not slave owners, and the story focuses around their eldest son, John, an artist who went into the war as an artist correspondent, torn by his love for both families and seeing both sides of the argument. He hates the institution of Slavery, a hatred amplified by the hanging of his black friend, a freed man for hiding fugitive slaves. The Hales were city-folk. Not only were they divided on their views, but by their styles of life. You see all the various scenes of how families were divided, how the glory of war could turn sour for the many boys simply looking for adventure.

There was a real John Geyser, and he did draw a lot of pictures as his time as a soldier. But he was not a war correspondent, and not that professional of an artists. Still is immature drawing carry a power to convey the horrors of war.

So take the 'history' with a grain of salt and enjoy the 'emotions' of the great conflict that ripped families and friends apart.

Stacey Keech is simply marvellous as Jonas Steel, and I defy anyone not to be moved by his and Julia Duffy's Mary performance as Mary, the woman Jonas loves and loves. Duffy, best known for Designing Women and Bob Newheart, show a charming, heart-wrenching portrayal of sweet Mary. Peck is super as Lincoln, in a roll he really wanted to play.

So pop the popcorn and sit back and enjoy the sweeping 'Gone With the Wind' Hollywood version of the Civil War. There is fine acting and a lot of nice 'historical' touches since Bruce Catton was consultant to the film.

The DVD is the full length version. Many video copies are a shortened version, so you you will be thrilled the see it in its intended form.


A 'must see' if you're a history buff   June 14, 2000
Paul J. Moade (Jacksonville, FL United States)
33 out of 34 found this review helpful

Let me begin with a caveat. This movie is available in two versions. The full-length film (from the tv mini-series) and an abridged version. By all means, get the full length video. It's six hours long, but every scene in the story is relevent.

The film itself chronicles historical events from a year or two prior to actual hostilities, up to the end of the war and Lincoln's assassination. The story is related from the viewpoints of two families (related by marriage): The Geysers from Virginia, and the Hales from Pennsylvania.

Events and happenings in the movie are generally (but not always) seen via John Geyser's (John Hammond, IV) perspective. John is the youngest son of a well-to-do, but not wealthy Virginia farmer who is turned against Southern ideals by the death of a black friend. He seeks solice and employment with his Uncle Hale's newspaper and moves to Pennsylvania. However, John is not comfortable in the North either. He cannot bring himself to join the military because of the possibility of having to face his elder brothers in combat.

The story is a moving one with several themes running through it. Brother against brother is one of the stronger themes, but also present are the price of friendship, loyalty to one's home, family and State, and responsibility. The issue of slavery is minimized - and probably well so, as that was not a major issue in the outset of the actual war in any event.

The cast is superbly chosen for their parts, and play them with enthusiasm and credibility. All manner of charactorizations are present from the young boy who thinks of the war as a lark and adventure, to those who are committed due to home and family, and those who believe the war will be short and can't wait to be a part of history.

Especially well done are the parts of Lincoln (Gregory Peck) and R.E. Lee (Robert Symonds). All charactors are believeable - moving the audience to tears at times.

What's the bottom line?

Well, scene for scene this may not be the most accurate depiction of the Civil War that can be found, but it certainly captures the flavor. I was disappointed that Gettyburg was so glossed over (but then there's an entire movie dedicated to that battle itself under its own title), however everything else seems to be there. The drama and acting are some of the best you'll find anywhere -- and the story is compelling.

If you've any interest at all in what the Civil War was about or how it impacted those living during the time, this is the film to see. Two thumbs way up.

~P~


very realistic and accurate   September 18, 1999
jelittl@worldnet.att.net (selden NY)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

As a civil war buff, I rate this movie probably as one of the most accurate of all Civil War movies ever made. It has an excellent pedigree, based on a book by the legendary Civil War historian Bruce Catton. No propaganda in this one - scenes such as when the soldiers threw away cards before a battle in case they were killed, soldiers conversing and trading along the lines with the enemy - all true and little known by most. Most soldiers were very scared during battle - even veterans, and many died of disease before ever firing a shot - again, something dramatized effectively in this movie. Many incidents in this movie were factual such as two enemy soldiers stumbling on the other and deciding whoever wins the battle will take hte other prisoner and Confederates inviting Union soldiers to a party, interrupted by Confederate officers. I encourage all that enjoyed ths program to pick up a copy of Catton's "Reflections on the Civil War" to understand just how historically accurate much of this movie is. The battle scenes in this movie are first rate without being gory and of course are very realistic, a la "Gettysburg". There is a longer version of this video that is even better than the shortened one. I encourage watching this one with kids studying this era in school - it is highly educational and entertaining.


A Teaching tool for the Civil War   December 8, 1999
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

The series Blue and Gray is a great tour de force of the American Civil War. This series is a great teaching tool for middle school teachers who want to capture the passion and reality of America's greatest struggle for their students. The movie neither sugar coats nor overplays the tragedy of the war on soldiers or civilians. A longer complete version of this mini-series is available on video, and if Amazon could add it to their list, it would fill the small voids left by this shorter version. Overall, my favorite CW movie.


This one turned me into a Civil War buff   April 6, 2002
RDtoo (Detroit)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Ok, some of the reviews complain that there is some historically inaccurate things like the wrong battle flag or something. So what? Most of us farbies dont know the difference anyways. This is a highly entertaining movie that I have watched several times. No, you are not getting an in depth treatment of any particular battle, but an overview of the entire war from John Browns hanging to Lincolns assaination. There are many memorable scenes like the use of hot air balloons to spy on the other side, the trading of supplies between the blue boys and the gray boys by using a toy sailboat, and Stacey Keach riding across the battlefield at Gettysburgh that is littered with hundreds of bodies as the Gettysburgh address is read by Gregory Peck's Lincoln. Speaking of which, Peck gives the best portrayal of Lincoln that I have ever seen. Worthwhile viewing and a personal favorite of mine.