The Thorn Birds (DVD, 1983) Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, NEW Region 4

The hit mini series adaptation of Colleen McCullough's novel. Young, handsome Father Ralph de Bricassart (Richard Chamberlain) surrenders to ambition when he accepts a bequest to the church from wealthy matriarch Mary Carson (Barbara Stanwyck). The legacy advances Father de Bricassart to the upper echelons of church hierarchy, but it denies Mary's heirs of their rightful fortune - and ties Mary's granddaughter, Meggie (Rachel Ward), to the priest. Meggie grows into a stunningly beautiful woman, and Father de Bricassart suffers the temptation of a woman he is not allowed--and cannot leave. Together, the two share a secret passion that endures for decades and proves greater than even his faith and his love for the church.

Review

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