I found it interesting to note how Dan Curtis made changes, for the better, between The Winds of War (TWOW) and his more mammoth sequel miniseries, War and Remembrance (WAR). Most notable was the replacement of Jan-Michael Vincent and Ali McGraw. She, especially, was dreadful, in TWOW, reminding me of a snottier Icky Vicky.
However, I enjoyed both John Houseman and Sir John Gielgud playing the same character in the different mini-series'. The each brought their own style to the part.
Of course, the most notable thing about WAR was its first-ever complete portrayal of the horrific slaughter that took place in the gas chambers. The viewer was spared nothing, and the censors allowed it. It was shockingly powerful and unforgettable.
I recall that there was a WAR backlash, because of its sheer length and meticulous detail (which I loved). It became the butt of jokes, from The Tonight Show to The Golden Girls and everywhere else in-between. When it was nominated for the Emmy as the best miniseries, many thought it did not stand a chance. When that envelope was opened and those fateful words: "And the Emmy goes to..." ended with WAR, there was a stunned, momentary silence, and then wild applause. I actually started to tear up. Dan Curtis had been vindicated for his monumental work.
Gerard
