Based on the bestselling novel, the film follows a priest and his struggle between his calling and his carnal lusts.
The second most-watched miniseries (after Roots) of all time, The Thorn Birds was originally broadcast in 1983 and captivated viewers with its story of a lifelong conflict between the spirit and the flesh. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough, the production stars Richard Chamberlain as a Catholic priest named Ralph de Bricassart, whose life in Australia between 1920 and 1962 is one long torment as he pines for his lover, Meggie Cleary (Rachel Ward), while seeking advancement in his clergyman career. The passion and the guilt make for compelling drama, but a stellar cast of supporting players adds muscle to the proceedings: Barbara Stanwyck (who won an Emmy for her work as Meggie's tough aunt), Jean Simmons, Richard Kiley, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, and Mare Winningham. Chamberlain, who was something of the king of the miniseries form at the time, is very good in the lead, as is the often-underrated Ward. Their affair is indeed irresistible to watch, which proves to be true, too, of the story's thick weave of church politics, forbidden desire, social change over decades, and family secrets. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
In Defense of Rachel Ward:
Although most agree that this was a gripping storyline and a classic miniseries, there were some people that criticized Rachel Ward. I would like to point out the following: 1) She was extraordinarily beautiful, hard to look away from when she was on-screen. It was plausible that a priest or any other man would be drawn to her. I can't imagine a better-cast Meggie than Rachel Ward. 2) Ward did a remarkable job of portraying convincing love scenes with a gay actor (Richard Chamberlain). I do not... more info
great:
I first saw this series when I was a child and found it to be wonderful. It still stands as a terrific miniseries, even if it is melodramatic. Ward is radiant, Chamberlain is excellent, Stanwyck and Simmons are remarkable. Incredibly tragic and romantic.
A Simple Review:
The Thornbirds Its been almost thirty years since the novel The ThornBirds was Published and this miniseries captures the feel,depth,and asepect of this Novel by Colleen McCullough. I recommend though reading the novel first and then watching the miniseries .
Great movie:
I got this movie, Beautiful movie, My daughter got out of work around 5pm I asked her to look at some of the movie with me around 10pm I went to sleep, Around 3 PM I heard my daughter who is 22 yrs old crying and crying I thought something happen bad to her. I run into the TV room to see her still sitting in front of the TV looking at the movie telling me mom it is such a sad movie her eyes puffy red telling me. I love this movie. I had to laugh going back to my bedroom.
