War and Peace (US)

Veteran director King Vidor took on the epic novel by Leo Tolstoy as one of his last films before his retirement. Three aristocratic families are explored during war and peace which changes their destiny as Napoleon wages war on Russia. The novel was simplified and watered down for this epic Hollywood adaptation which couldn't do it justice but pales compared to the masterpiece by Sergey Bondarchuk who delivered the definitive version. The only saving grace in the version is the presence of Audrey Hepburn who shines in the lead. The all star cast included Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer, Vittorio Gassman, Anita Ekberg and Herbert Lom. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.