War and Peace (1956)
Regardless of whether or not you like the story of War and Peace, everyone can admit the 1956 film adaptation is absolutely beautiful to watch. From the epic battle sequences to the Russian countryside (filmed in Italy) to the grand ballroom and Audrey Hepburn’s gowns, King Vidor’s production is just lovely.
The story itself is a very typical piece of Russian literature; it is a classic after all. If you don’t like endless ruminations about life, you’re going to be very bored. But cheer up; this version is only three-and-a-half hours. I sat through the 1965 Russian version that was seven hours! But the 1965 film had subtitles and no Audrey Hepburn. She looks beautiful in this movie and has a very beautiful wardrobe to show off her daintiness and regal composure. She also has an extra heart attachment to this film: acting alongside her husband at the time, Mel Ferrer. Everyone falls in love with her, including Henry Fonda and Vittorio Gassman, but she only has eyes for Mel – at first. They have some very sweet scenes together, and it seems like a fairy tale come true since he’s a prince. But when the country goes to war (again and again), does Audrey have what it takes to remain alone and waiting for him?
The screenplay adaptation of this tome was very well written, especially when you take into consideration that the novel was written in Russian, French, and English. Keep in mind that traditional Russian culture features long monologues about life and philosophy. It does feel artificial, but that’s the style.
Although it did pain us at the Hot Toasty Rag Awards that King Vidor and his magnificent production did not take home the newspaper trophy, it is equally important to right the wrongs as it is to not wrong the rights. Around the World in 80 Days was the Academy’s choice for Best Picture of 1956, and we couldn’t, in good conscience, disagree. And although Michael Anderson did not win Best Director at the Oscars, we felt that filming in over a hundred locations in thirteen countries, with the extras totaling nearly 70,000 and adding 8,000 animals to the mix deserved a Rag award. Had War and Peace come out any other year, King Vidor would have absolutely taken home his second Rag (he previously won for An American Romance). It truly is fantastically directed.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Audrey Hepburn movies here!
The story itself is a very typical piece of Russian literature; it is a classic after all. If you don’t like endless ruminations about life, you’re going to be very bored. But cheer up; this version is only three-and-a-half hours. I sat through the 1965 Russian version that was seven hours! But the 1965 film had subtitles and no Audrey Hepburn. She looks beautiful in this movie and has a very beautiful wardrobe to show off her daintiness and regal composure. She also has an extra heart attachment to this film: acting alongside her husband at the time, Mel Ferrer. Everyone falls in love with her, including Henry Fonda and Vittorio Gassman, but she only has eyes for Mel – at first. They have some very sweet scenes together, and it seems like a fairy tale come true since he’s a prince. But when the country goes to war (again and again), does Audrey have what it takes to remain alone and waiting for him?
The screenplay adaptation of this tome was very well written, especially when you take into consideration that the novel was written in Russian, French, and English. Keep in mind that traditional Russian culture features long monologues about life and philosophy. It does feel artificial, but that’s the style.
Although it did pain us at the Hot Toasty Rag Awards that King Vidor and his magnificent production did not take home the newspaper trophy, it is equally important to right the wrongs as it is to not wrong the rights. Around the World in 80 Days was the Academy’s choice for Best Picture of 1956, and we couldn’t, in good conscience, disagree. And although Michael Anderson did not win Best Director at the Oscars, we felt that filming in over a hundred locations in thirteen countries, with the extras totaling nearly 70,000 and adding 8,000 animals to the mix deserved a Rag award. Had War and Peace come out any other year, King Vidor would have absolutely taken home his second Rag (he previously won for An American Romance). It truly is fantastically directed.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Audrey Hepburn movies here!