War and Peace 1956

By 1812, Napoleons forces controlled much of Europe. Russia, one of the few countries still unconquered, prepares to face Napoleons troops together with Austria. Among the Russian soldiers are Count Nicholas Rostov and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. Count Pierre Bezukhov, a friend of Andreis and self-styled intellectual who is not interested in fighting. Pierres life changes when his father dies, leaving him a vast inheritance. He is attracted to Natasha Rostov, Nicholass sister, but she is too young, so he gives in to baser desires and marries the shallow, manipulative Princess Helene. The marriage ends when Pierre discovers his wifes true nature. Andrei is captured and later released by the French, and returns home only to watch his wife die in childbirth. Months later, Pierre and Andrei meet again. Andrei sees Natasha and falls in love, but his father will only permit the marriage if they postpone it for one year until Natasha turns 17. While Andrei is away on a military mission, ...