First Tableau

It is nighttime, on the grounds of the Otradnoie estate owned by the Rostovs. Andrei Bolkonsky, a young prince staying as a guest, is at the open window of his room, meditating on the glories of spring. He hears the voices of Natasha Rostova and Sonia Rostova drifting down from the room above. Apparently the girls also feel excited and transported by this splendid evening. It dawns on Andrei that he has very strong feelings for Natasha.



Second Tableau

At a New Year's Eve ball in the home of a St. Petersburg dignitary, the guest roster includes Andrei and Natasha. When her friend Pierre sees how disappointed Natasha is that no one is dancing with her and sends Andrei to ask her to waltz. The two discover deep feelings for each other and are overjoyed at her father's invitation to Andrei to visit the following Sunday.



Third Tableau

In the city mansion of Andrei's father Prince Bolkonsky, there is a dispute over Andrei's betrothal to Natasha. Natasha arrives with her father, only to leave soon afterwards due to the contemptuous, condescending treatment she receives at the hands of old Bolkonsky and Andrei's sister. She also realizes that Andrei's year-long trip abroad is being taken only at the command of his father.



Fourth Tableau

At the home of Helena, wife of Pierre Bezukhov, Helena congratulates Natasha on her betrothal, but adds that her brother Anatole has fallen madly in love with her. The Count Rostov tries to get them out of there as quick as he can, but finds that neither Helena nor Natasha will allow it. Then Anatole arrives. He shamelessly swears a fanatical love for Natasha, boldly kisses her, then hands her an ultimatum in the form of a card that reads "My fate is in your hands: be loved by you or die." She is unwillingly swept away.



Fifth Tableau

Anatole is explaining to Dolokhov his dangerous and unlikely plan to elope abroad with Natasha. The help of the coachman Balaga, who is insanely devoted to Anatole, will be the keystone of the action. He says goodbye to his friends, including a young gypsy girl Matriosha, and they sledge off into the blizzard.



Sixth Tableau

At the home of Maria Akhrossimova, Natasha is awaiting Anatole, but a servant intercepts him and thwarts the elopement. The ensuing reprimands from Maria and revelations from Pierre of Anatole's previous marriage and his own love of her plunge Natasha into despair over her infidelity. She attempts suicide.



Seventh Tableau

At Pierre's home, he and Anatole violently quarrel over Natasha. Then he kicks the latter out, making him hand over Natasha's letters and promise never to speak of the affair again. News arrives that Napoleon's forces have ranged themselves along the borders of Russia.



Eighth Tableau

On the battlefield of Borondino, Andrei encounters Natasha's first fiancée, the strategist Denissov, who explains to him the battle plans. Pierre also arrives, eager to see a battle firsthand. Andrei is invited by some German generals to join their staff, but Andrei is loyal to his men. The battle begins.



Ninth Tableau

Napoleon is watching the battle from his command post, already imagining himself at Moscow with the keys to the city. Yet news comes that the French are losing badly. Reluctantly, he sends reinforcements.



Tenth Tableau

The Russian generals are conferring in the village of Fili, arguing over whether an offensive or defensive posture should be adopted. Marshal Kutuzov makes the decision to make a strategic retreat and temporarily give Moscow over to the enemy.



Eleventh Tableau

Napoleon in Moscow is beset by problems: the expected delegation has not arrived, arsonists are setting fire to the city, inmates of an insane asylum run amok. Pierre, who hungers for Napoleon's blood, narrowly escapes execution as an arsonist. Passing Moscovites vow revenge.



Twelfth Tableau

The wounded Andrei, in a village near Moscow and delirious with fever, has a vision of Natasha coming into the cottage he's in, dressed all in white. She begs forgiveness for her betrayal, but he has already forgiven her. Their vows of love are renewed, but Andrei soon slips away again toward his death.



Thirteenth Tableau

The French army is retreating along the road to Smolensk, while a pair of officers assess the extent of the defeat. Among the prisoners is Pierre, but he is freed when a detachment of Russian partisans attacks the convoy. Order is slowly being restored in Russia, all give gracious thanks for the victory.

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