Patrick Swayze, James Read, Lesley-Anne Down, Kirstie Alley, David Carradine, Genie Francis and Philip Casnoff star in “North and South,” the sweeping television miniseries based on the trilogy of novels by John Jakes about two families whose lives and loyalties are tested by the American Civil War.

Originally broadcast on ABC in 1985, 1986 and 1994, “North and South,” “North and South: Book II,” and “Heaven & Hell: North & South, Book III” become major television events. The first installment ranks among the highest-rated miniseries of the 1980s and helps cement the saga’s place as one of network television’s most ambitious historical dramas.

The series focuses on the enduring friendship between George Hazard (Read), the son of a Pennsylvania industrialist, and Orry Main (Swayze), heir to a South Carolina plantation. The two meet as cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point and remain devoted friends despite growing political tensions between their regions. As the nation moves toward secession and war, the Hazards and the Mains struggle with issues of slavery, honor, romance and survival.

Lesley-Anne Down stars as Madeline Fabray LaMotte, Orry’s great love, while Kirstie Alley plays Virgilia Hazard, George’s outspoken and passionate sister. David Carradine portrays the ruthless Justin LaMotte, and Genie Francis appears as Brett Main, Orry’s spirited sister. Philip Casnoff stars as Elkanah Bent, a fellow West Point cadet whose rivalry with George and Orry spans decades.

The miniseries is adapted from John Jakes’ bestselling novels by writer-producer Douglas Heyes. Produced for ABC, “North and South” remains a landmark epic chronicling friendship, family and division during one of the most defining periods in American history.