On 28 September 1972 the BBC began its ambitious dramatisation of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel War and Peace. The drama was written by Jack Pulman and unfolded over 20 weeks. From the grand opening theme music - the Imperial Russian Anthem, played by the band of the Welsh Guards - the series established its intention to capture the scope of the source material. It went on to win several awards and confirmed Anthony Hopkins as a great actor with his memorable turn as Pierre.
Filming took place over a year. Many exterior scenes, including the battles, were filmed in Yugoslavia, with 1000 Yugoslav territorials as extras. Interiors were shot for the most part at Television Centre, but some of the grander locations were provided by Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. Apart from Hopkins, the large cast featured Morag Hood as Natasha, Alan Dobie as Andrei and Angela Down as Maria. War and Peace was directed by John Howard Davies and produced by David Conroy.
The successful adaptation of War and Peace encouraged the transfer of more classic novels to the small screen, including Anna Karenina in 1977. The BBC continues to make dramatisations of books - both classic and modern - with a new six part adaptation of War and Peace by Andrew Davies being broadcast in 2016.
September anniversaries
Close down of Television service for the duration of the War
1 September 1939
The Morecambe and Wise Show
2 September 1968
Chamberlain announces Britain is at war with Germany
3 September 1939
Start of first series of Porridge
5 September 1974
