The lowdown: Based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy, 'War & Peace' is an epic production by the BBC, first broadcast in 1972.
It tells the story of two Russian families, the Rostovs and the Bolkonskys, during the Napoleonic Wars. The story begins in 
Moscow in 1805; Pierre Bezuhov (superbly played by Anthony Hopkins) is casually playing cards with his friend Anatole 
Kuragin (Colin Baker) while his father lies dying. What follows is a sweeping saga of early 19th century Russian society,
and the lives and loves of the aristocracy. Colin Baker plays an opportunist who is fond of gambling and women, and having 
abandoned his first wife, he is keen to marry a rich woman. He eventually falls in love with Natasha Rostova, and is 
determined to marry her, despite the fact that she is engaged to another man.

Who should watch it: Anybody who loves historical dramas and, more importantly, fine acting, will enjoy this production.
The BBC excels at historical dramas, and this is one of the best. Despite being over 30 years old, its lavish production values
and quality cast mean it has not dated that much (but historical dramas do not tend to date as much as TV shows set in
contemporary times). Colin Baker is excellent as Kuragin, but Anthony Hopkins is definitely the star of this show, and it is 
worth watching just for his performance. Not surprisingly, he won a BAFTA for his performance as Bezuhov. 'War & Peace'
runs for 15 hours and 20 episodes, so it requires a bit of commitment to see it through to the end - on the other hand, you 
could simply read the book, all 1400-plus pages. 'War and Peace' is now available on DVD in a five-disc set.

Trivia: In addition to Colin Baker, several other actors with connections to 'Doctor Who' appear in this production. Richard 
Hurndall (who took on the William Hartnell role in 'The Five Doctors') has the role of Count Rostopchin, while Anthony Jacobs
(Doc Holliday in 'The Gunfighters') appears as Prince Bolkonsky.

      
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