Part 1

In 1805, at a glittering party in her honor, beautiful young Natasha Rostova has eyes only for the dashing (and married) Prince Andrej. But Andrej hungers for military glory, to prove to himself to his domineering father, Prince Bolkonsky. His friend Pierre, meanwhile, is about to be named sole heir to Count Bezukhov, drawing the attention of the scheming Kuragins. And with Napoleon threatening Austria, the Czar prepares for war.

Part 2

The story of five aristocratic families in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars of 1812

Part 3

Rumors swirl about Natasha and Andrej upcoming marriage- prompting Helene and Anatole to plot the girl's ruin. As Anatole's ardor increases Natasha begins to doubt Andrej's intentions. Disgusted by these cynical machinations and Napoleon'a savagery, Pierre joins Andrej at the epic Battle of Borodino.

Part 4

Napoleon marches on Moscow. and rich and poor residents alike flee ahead of him. As the Rostovs prepare to leave for the country, Natasha helps nurse wounded soldiers. Marja left alone after her fathers's death, hopes she may finally find happiness. Pierre makes a rash but courageous move that could cost him his freedom.