Introduction

North and South is the title of three American television miniseries broadcast on the ABC network in 1985, 1986, and 1994.

Set before, during, and immediately after the American Civil War, they are based on the 1980s trilogy of novels North and South by John Jakes.

Outline

March 1865 to April 1865.

The fighting ends with a Northern victory. Orry and George lead troops against each other in the last major battle at Petersburg; Orry is wounded while trying to fight off Union troops as they overrun his position. Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia to US Army General Ulysses Grant and the Army of the Potomac, negotiating the terms of surrender at Appomattox. With the war over, Charles goes to Augusta’s farm and finds that she has died giving birth to his child, a son. He goes to Charleston and gets his child from Augusta’s uncle’s wife. Billy also quits the army and reunites with Brett at her family’s plantation. Congressman Greene ends his affair with Virgilia, which he thinks detrimental to his political career. Virgilia learns that Greene had been lying to her about the seriousness of the charges and using Virgilia’s dependence for his own gratification; she murders the congressman and is sentenced to death by hanging. She and George have a tearful farewell before her execution. George learns that Orry is wounded and searches for him, finally finding him in a Union hospital. Their reunion is spoiled when both learn that President Lincoln has been shot. George helps Orry find Madeline, who reveals that Orry is now the father of their son. Orry, Madeline, their baby, and George all set out for the Main plantation. Salem Jones, the cruel former overseer of the Main plantation, joins with one of the Mains’ former slaves, Cuffey, in an attack on the Main plantation; they burn the mansion before being killed or driven off by Charles, Billy, and Ezra. Orry, George, and Madeline arrive, with the former two helping to fend off the last of the attackers. Οrry’s mother is killed in the attack by Cuffey while trying to prevent Semiramis’ rape, but Cuffey is shot dead by Charles, while Salem Jones is shot dead by Brett when he is about to shoot Billy. Orry and George pledge to renew their family’s friendship, and George agrees to help Orry rebuild his plantation home by reopening the cotton mill and letting Orry take the profits. The two families depart the burned out and collapsed remains of Mont Royal to prepare for the future.

North and South Series

You can find a full index and overview of North and South here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 1986.
• Rating: 15.
• Running Time: 90 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

Video Link(s)