North and South, Book II

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.