The film "Champagne Charlie" was originally released in 1989 via the television medium as a mini-series. Today one can pick it up in DVD format, either by purchasing or renting. Me? I rented the DVD. I am glad I did.

"Champagne Charlie" starring Hugh Grant, Megan Gallagher, and Megan Follows is a great biopic about Charles Heidsieck who was the son of a Champagne merchant that followed in his father's footsteps. Like his father, Charles Heidsieck believed in and refined his product, Champagne. Charles Heidsieck was foresighted enough to, shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War in he United States, figure out a way to get permission from the French Government to sell the Champagne his factory made to the American Market. This film shows before and during the American Civil War, not just the American side, but the French through the character Charles Heidsieck. It Portrays how one man brought a product to the States and profited by it; even after being taken advantage of by a New York warehouse owner, and back-stabbed by best friend who was his partner in France. Very honest portrayal about French government intrigue and how it recruited people like Charles Heidsieck to perform "certain duties" in order to get approval for international sales, especially to America. This gives one the true feeling of the time period, correctly displays the tension between the Union and Confederacy; how it tore America into two warring factions. This is a film about overcoming adversity, in Europe and America; during an extraordinary time period.

"Champagne Charlie" further points out the importance of cotton and tobacco for during the Civil War. How the bartering system was developed by the South to purchase from merchants like Charles Heidsieck. Including how successful it was in spite of Union Army interference.

The acting in "Champagne Charlie" is superb; an excellent cast mix. Was shocked by the depth and scope that Hugh Grant and Megan Follows performances gave. They were expert in their parts. Great to see them doing something "different" and more difficult. Even Tom Rack as President Abraham Lincoln was a delightful touch. Portrayed "Abe" well.

Highly recommend. I did some research and this series treated the real "Champagne Charlie" aka Charles Heidsieck (1820 - 1871) the Champagne merchant from France factual personal story well. Little was altered or added for fictional entertainment purposes. Obviously the director Allan Eastman Distributors and scriptwriter(s) did some historic research before completing and filming the script. The costumes and props were authentic for the time period depicted. Delighted to see this.

Cast includes: Hugh Grant, Megan Gallagher, Megan Follows, Stephane Audran, Georges Descrieres, Jean-Claude Dauphin, Vladek Sheybal, and Tom Rack.

"Champagne Charlie" is rated NR. Noticed no obvious reason for this. Is 3 hours 8 minutes in length. Worth every minute!

For more information about Charles Heidsieck also known as "Champagne Charlie":

Champagne Charlie by Joseph Henriot; available at www.amazon.com

The Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Heidsieck