The Blue and the Gray is a television miniseries that first aired on CBS in three installments on November 14, November 16, and November 17, 1982. Set during the American Civil War, the series starred John Hammond, Stacy Keach, Lloyd Bridges, and Gregory Peck as President Abraham Lincoln. It was executive produced by Larry White and Lou Reda, in association with Columbia Pictures Television, then owned by The Coca-Cola Company.
Episodes
Part One
A young John Geyser sets off from the family farm to work for his uncle at a local newspaper in Gettysburg as an artist correspondent shortly before the start of the American Civil War. John’s artistic skill lands him working as an impartial observer were he covers the battle at Bull Run – the first major conflict of the war. During his travel, John meets and befriends Jonas Steele, a Union Officer who works for President Abraham Lincoln.
Part Two
The war continues with both sides suffering severe causalities. Lincoln issues his Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery although the north still has to win the war to enforce it. John Geyser grows closer to Kathy Reynolds against her father’s wishes while Jonas Steele marries John’s cousin. Later, John informs a band of hiding slaves of Lincoln’s mandate.
Part Three
John meets with his Confederate brother during the siege of Vicksburg, then sneaks into town to supply food to his starving sister and son. Jonas Steele senses bad news and later discovers his misgivings. John returns home to ill feeling and his impartiality is tested. Jonas is wounded. The years of the war finally see an end. Lee surrenders and Lincoln is assassinated.
Top Cast
Gregory Peck
Abraham Lincoln
Rip Torn
Ulysses S. Grant
Lloyd Bridges
Ben Geyser
Robert Vaughn
Senator Reynolds
Stacy Keach
Jonas Steele
Kathleen Beller
Kathy Reynolds
Penny Peyser
Emma Gayser
Julia Duffy
Mary Hale
Robin Gammell
Jacob Hale Sr.
David W. Harper
James Hale
