Captains and the Kings

Captains and the Kings is such a rich mini-series. From the first episode to the last you can't help being drawn to the characters. I just got the VHS set and I can tell you that the story holds up as well now as it did in 1976. If you get the chance to see Captains and the Kings, don't pass it up. I guarantee it: you'll be hooked!!

This is one of the best 'movies' I have ever seen. The depth and the detail of Taylor Caldwell's masterwork is likewise, masterfully translated to the screen, (small screen, in this case). But I still remember it as though I had seen it in a theater. A rich and detailed 'period piece', that never faltered or struck a false note in it's production. Ms. Caldwell's story is a primer for all who seek to find the truth behind the "Movers and Shakers" of our societies, (The Captains and the Kings). A nicely but thinly veiled tale of mankind's lusty greed for money, and hence, power. Or power and hence, money. Maybe it was me, but it never failed to hold my interest from the very first to the ending credits. I have seen it only once and that was its original airing back in 1976 as a TV mini-series, but it still holds a huge interest for me. (I just went on-line to find out about it!) I remember the actors and the acting being superb, with the casting flawless. I would love to see it again, but it seems to have disappeared from the marketplace! Could this be the work of some powerful family or group??

Without question,by far the greatest thing I've ever seen on film. The acting,writing,scenery,music,costumes,just incredible!All of it-just incredible!The cast members complimented one another beautifully. The music conducted by Leonard Bernstein was so great! I have to wonder why they can't put together a series or mini-series like it now.I purchased it on tape and can honestly say that if i were forced to destroy every tape I own but one Captains and Kings would be the one I keep without a moments hesitation.Richard Jordans' performance was fantastic. In the beginning he's this youngster protecting his brother and sister and at the end of the movie he's an older man. Charles Durnings' role,what can i say? The man was terrific! Barbara Parkins,soooooooo good. Harvey Jason and Vic Morrow,both great!I seriously apologize for leaving out some cast members due to my bad memory when it comes to names-PLEASE know that ALL of you were GREAT!

Richard Jordan heads a starry cast in "The Captains and the Kings."

After the miniseries format proved popular NBC started a series called "Best Sellers," where impressive casts (mostly TV stars, but this one dug out Henry Fonda) enacted recent popular novels.

Taylor Caldwell's best-selling family-saga novels appeared perfect for this format.

Other best sellers were not so carefully chosen, and the "Best Sellers" series faded away. Occasionally, especially on CBS, classics were adapted for TV. NBC eschewed that stuff and stuck to recent best sellers, but the writers weren't always able to work magic. And few things are more boring than a dull 1970s miniseries. "The Captains and the Kings" is at least capable of sustaining interest; if, in nothing else, the wonder of who would show up next in tiny parts. They were prodigal with talent then. Actors like John Carradine were wasted.

Anyone can look up the impressive (for the 1970s) cast. Of particular interest are rising-star actresses like Blair Brown and, particularly, Jane Seymour. But she doesn't show up until the tail end of the thing.

The story is schmaltzy but that's what made popular novels and miniseries TV back then. Richard Jordan may not be everyone's idea of a great star, but he's the glue holding this remarkable miniseries together.

This TV miniseries was based on the Taylor Caldwell novel, which was clearly inspired by the Kennedy family, though it takes place in an earlier time; (Irish immigrants, the patriarch's first name was Joseph, he wants his son to be the first Irish Catholic President, need I say more?)

I read the novel and it was fascinating reading, but I liked the series better, as it made the characters more compassionate. This was especially true of Joseph Armagh, who in the book is colder and more autocratic, as well as unforgiving. In the series, he comes across as more human and with a heart.

Patty Duke was excellent as Joseph's wife, Bernadette, whom he married to fulfill a deathbed promise to her mother, Katherine, his first love. Ironically, he later falls in love with the woman who unwittingly helped bring about her death, by revealing the child she had with Katherine's husband. This will later have disastrous results for Joseph and Bernadette's daughter.

Their eldest child, Rory, represents all Joseph's hopes and ambitions, but his love for a Protestant heiress threatens to topple all Joseph's plans.

Yes, it's a bit of a soap opera, but there's also history, drama and plenty of entertainment, not to mention great acting. One of the best miniseries ever.