# War and Peace

> 1956 film directed by King Vidor

**Wikidata**: [Q643811](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q643811)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace_(1956_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/war-and-peace-q643811

## Summary
*War and Peace* (1956) is a historical drama film directed by King Vidor, based on Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel. The film, produced by Paramount Pictures, stars Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Mel Ferrer, and explores themes of war, love, and societal change through the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Released in 1956, it was a major studio production that aimed to adapt Tolstoy's epic literary work into a cinematic experience.

## Key Facts
- **Director**: King Vidor (American film director, producer, and screenwriter)
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures (American film studio)
- **Starring Cast**: Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer
- **Based On**: Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel *War and Peace*
- **Genre**: Historical drama, romance, war film
- **Release Date**: August 21, 1956 (United States)
- **Runtime**: 222 minutes
- **Country of Origin**: United States, Italy
- **Language**: English, Italian
- **Awards**: Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film (1952)
- **Box Office**: Estimated $10 million (1956)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0049934
- **Wikidata Description**: 1956 film directed by King Vidor
- **Wikipedia Title**: War and Peace (1956 film)
- **Sitelink Count**: 35 (Wikipedia links)

## FAQs
**Who directed *War and Peace* (1956)?**
The film was directed by King Vidor, a renowned American filmmaker known for his contributions to both silent and sound cinema. Vidor's direction helped shape the film's epic scale and historical accuracy.

**What is the film *War and Peace* (1956) about?**
The film is based on Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel and follows the lives of Russian aristocrats and commoners during Napoleon's invasion of Russia. It explores themes of war, love, and societal change.

**Who are the main actors in *War and Peace* (1956)?**
The film stars Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Mel Ferrer, among others. Hepburn's performance as Natasha Rostova was particularly notable.

**What awards did *War and Peace* (1956) receive?**
The film won the Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film in 1952, recognizing its cultural and artistic significance.

**How long is *War and Peace* (1956)?**
The film has a runtime of 222 minutes, reflecting its ambitious adaptation of Tolstoy's extensive novel.

**What production company made *War and Peace* (1956)?**
The film was produced by Paramount Pictures, a major American film studio known for its high-budget productions.

## Why It Matters
*War and Peace* (1956) holds historical significance as one of the most ambitious film adaptations of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel. Directed by King Vidor, the film aimed to capture the vast scope of Tolstoy's work, which spans multiple generations and geopolitical events. Its production was a major studio effort, reflecting the era's fascination with historical and biographical storytelling. The film's release in 1956 marked a pivotal moment in Hollywood's exploration of war and societal change, contributing to the genre's evolution in cinema. While not as critically acclaimed as some of its contemporaries, *War and Peace* remains a notable example of 1950s epic filmmaking, blending historical drama with themes of love and war.

## Notable For
- **Golden Globe Award Winner**: Received the Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film in 1952.
- **Epic Scale**: One of the most ambitious film adaptations of Leo Tolstoy's *War and Peace*, spanning 222 minutes.
- **Major Studio Production**: Produced by Paramount Pictures, a leading American film studio of the era.
- **Notable Cast**: Featured Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Mel Ferrer, who delivered memorable performances.
- **Historical Drama**: Explored themes of war, love, and societal change during Napoleon's invasion of Russia.
- **International Release**: Released in both the United States and Italy, reflecting its global appeal.

## Body

### Core Definition and Context
*War and Peace* (1956) is a historical drama film directed by King Vidor, based on Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel of the same name. The film was produced by Paramount Pictures and stars Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Mel Ferrer. It explores the lives of Russian aristocrats and commoners during Napoleon's invasion of Russia, blending themes of war, love, and societal change. The film was released in 1956 and has a runtime of 222 minutes, making it one of the most ambitious adaptations of Tolstoy's epic novel.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Paramount Pictures, a major American film studio known for its high-budget productions. It was directed by King Vidor, who was renowned for his contributions to both silent and sound cinema. The film was released in the United States on August 21, 1956, and later in Italy. It was also released in other countries, reflecting its international appeal.

### Cast and Crew
The film features a notable cast, including Audrey Hepburn as Natasha Rostova, Henry Fonda as Pierre Bezukhov, and Mel Ferrer as Andrei Bolkonsky. The film was also notable for its supporting cast, which included actors such as Robert Morley, Roddy McDowall, and Virginia McKenna. The film's crew included cinematographers, editors, and production designers who contributed to its epic scale and historical accuracy.

### Awards and Recognition
*War and Peace* (1956) received the Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film in 1952, recognizing its cultural and artistic significance. The film was also nominated for other awards, reflecting its impact on the film industry. Its success contributed to the recognition of historical drama as a significant genre in cinema.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
The film holds historical significance as one of the most ambitious adaptations of Leo Tolstoy's *War and Peace*. It reflects the era's fascination with historical and biographical storytelling, contributing to the genre's evolution in cinema. The film's release in 1956 marked a pivotal moment in Hollywood's exploration of war and societal change, blending themes of love and war in a way that resonated with audiences.

### Related Works and Examples
The film is part of a tradition of historical dramas that includes other adaptations of Tolstoy's *War and Peace*, such as the 1956 Soviet film *War and Peace* directed by Sergei Bondarchuk. It also shares similarities with other historical dramas, such as *Schindler's List* and *Saving Private Ryan*, which explore themes of war and societal change.

### Distinction from Related Entities
While *War and Peace* (1956) is a film adaptation of Tolstoy's novel, it differs from other adaptations in its focus on the personal stories of the characters rather than the grand historical narrative. It also differs from other war films in its emphasis on themes of love and societal change alongside the horrors of war.

### Platform and Service Integration
The film is available on various platforms, including DVD and streaming services. It has also been featured in film festivals and retrospectives, reflecting its cultural significance. The film's availability on these platforms has contributed to its continued relevance and appreciation.

### Additional Topic IDs
The film has been referenced in various databases and encyclopedias, including IMDb, Wikidata, and Wikipedia. It has also been the subject of academic studies and critical analyses, reflecting its impact on the film industry and its cultural significance.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049934/)
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/wojna-i-pokoj-1956)
3. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film417946.html)
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049934/fullcredits)
5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. [Source](https://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film417946.html)
7. The Movie Database
8. War and Peace. Rotten Tomatoes
9. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?type=MOVIE&itemid=13458)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Kinopoisk
12. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/war-and-peace/)
13. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
14. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/18289)
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/3C87-5CCF-42BE-DD6C-3948-L)
18. Danish Film Database
19. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/84565)
20. Kanopy
21. Trakt.tv
22. FilmVandaag.nl