The Winds of War (1983)
An epic television miniseries following one American family swept up in the global catastrophe of World War II, from the late 1930s to Pearl Harbor.
The Winds of War - Series Information
- Original Title: The Winds of War
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 1983
- Created by: Dan Curtis
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: War, Politics, Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (120 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 7
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 6, 1983 (United States - NR), February 6, 1983 (Germany - 12), February 6, 1983 (France - 12), February 6, 1983 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Wichry Wojny (PL), Krigets vindar (SE), Herman Wouk's The Winds of War (US)
- Production Companies: Paramount Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Winds of War - Plot
Set against the backdrop of world events that led to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Victor "Pug" Henry is a career naval officer who, along with his family, learns to navigate the waters of his dangerous times in the late 1930s.
The Winds of War - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the sweeping scale this landmark miniseries delivers:
The first theatrical motion picture made for television
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The Winds of War - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dan Curtis
Main Cast
- Robert Mitchum
- Ali MacGraw
- Jan-Michael Vincent
- John Houseman
- Polly Bergen
- Lisa Eilbacher
- David Dukes
- Chaim Topol
- Ben Murphy
- Peter Graves
The Winds of War - FAQs
Is The Winds of War based on a true story?
The Winds of War is based on Herman Wouk's acclaimed 1971 novel of the same name. While the Henry family at the center of the story is fictional, the series weaves its characters through meticulously researched historical events, real figures, and documented battles leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Who plays Victor 'Pug' Henry in The Winds of War?
Robert Mitchum plays Victor 'Pug' Henry, the stoic career naval officer at the heart of the story. Mitchum brings a weathered gravitas to the role, portraying a man who moves through the corridors of power in pre-war Europe and Washington while his family is pulled in different directions by the gathering storm.
Is The Winds of War worth watching today?
Absolutely. The Winds of War remains one of the most ambitious television productions ever mounted. Its sweeping scope, strong ensemble performances, and careful historical detail make it compelling viewing decades later. For fans of World War II drama and family sagas, it's an essential piece of television history that still resonates deeply.
Where can you stream The Winds of War?
Streaming availability for The Winds of War varies by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any subscription streaming, rental, or purchase options currently available.
How long is each episode of The Winds of War?
Each episode of The Winds of War runs approximately 120 minutes, giving the miniseries a genuinely cinematic feel. Across its 7 episodes, the production clocks in at around 14 hours of total runtime — a deliberate choice that allowed the story to unfold with the depth and pacing of a major theatrical epic.
Did The Winds of War win any major awards?
The Winds of War earned multiple Emmy Award nominations following its 1983 broadcast, recognizing its production design, costumes, and performances. The miniseries was a massive ratings success for ABC, drawing one of the largest television audiences of the era and cementing its place as a landmark event in broadcast history.
Does The Winds of War have a sequel series?
Yes. War and Remembrance, also based on a Herman Wouk novel and produced by Dan Curtis, serves as the direct sequel. It aired on ABC in 1988 and 1989, continuing the story of the Henry family through the full course of World War II, including the Holocaust and the Pacific theater.
What are some shows similar to The Winds of War?
If The Winds of War captivated you, War and Remembrance is the essential next watch. Beyond that, Band of Brothers, Masters of the Air, and Generation Kill offer gripping World War II and military drama. For a documentary angle, WWII in HD provides stunning archival footage of the same conflict.
More About The Winds of War
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