"The Thorn Birds" (1983) TV mini-series

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Writer:

Lee Stanley (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

27 March 1983 (USA)

Genre:

Romance | Drama

Tagline:

Desire. Passion. Scandal.

Plot:

This mini series covers 60 years in the lives of the Cleary family, brought from New Zealand to Australia to run their aunt Mary Carson's ranch...

Plot Keywords:

Ranch | Australia | Priest | Catholic Church | Cardinal

Awards:

Won 4 Golden Globes. Another 10 wins & 17 nominations

Cast

Richard Chamberlain	...	Ralph de Bricassart (4 episodes, 1983)
Rachel Ward	...	Meggie Cleary (4 episodes, 1983)
Christopher Plummer	...	Archbishop Vittorio Contini-Verchese (4 episodes, 1983)
Stephanie Faracy	...	Judy (4 episodes, 1983)
Barry Corbin	...	Pete (4 episodes, 1983)
John de Lancie	...	Alastair MacQueen (4 episodes, 1983)
Barbara Stanwyck	...	Mary Carson (4 episodes, 1983)
Jean Simmons	...	Fiona 'Fee' Cleary (3 episodes, 1983)
Bryan Brown	...	Luke O'Neill (3 episodes, 1983)
Brett Cullen	...	Bob Cleary (3 episodes, 1983)
Bill Morey	...	Angus MacQueen (3 episodes, 1983)
Holly Palance	...	Miss Carmichael (3 episodes, 1983)
Richard Kiley	...	Paddy Cleary (2 episodes, 1983)
Piper Laurie	...	Anne Mueller (2 episodes, 1983)
Earl Holliman	...	Luddie Mueller (2 episodes, 1983)
Philip Anglim	...	Dane O'Neill (2 episodes, 1983)
John Friedrich	...	Frank Cleary (2 episodes, 1983)
Stephen W. Burns	...	Jack Cleary (2 episodes, 1983)
Richard Venture	...	Harry Gough (2 episodes, 1983)
Chard Hayward	...	Arne Swenson (2 episodes, 1983)
Dwier Brown	...	Stuart Cleary (2 episodes, 1983)
Allyn Ann McLerie	...	Mrs. Smith (2 episodes, 1983)
Antoinette Bower	...	Sarah MacQueen (2 episodes, 1983)

Runtime:

Israel:460 min | USA:477 min

Country:

USA | Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Big Sky Ranch - 4927 Bennett Road, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

David Wolper-Stan Margulies Productions

Trivia:

Tristan Rogers was heavily considered to play the role of Father Ralph.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Mary Carson is discovered dead, you can see Barbara Stanwyck's chest moving as she continues to breathe.

Quotes:

Ralph de Bricassart: Poor little Meggie. It must be hard being the only girl.
Fiona 'Fee' Cleary: But I've been blessed with sons, these and the two I've buried. It's her sons a mother thinks of, isn't it?
[yells out to Meggie in the field]
Fiona 'Fee' Cleary: Meggie don't dawdle! You've got the chickens to feed!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in 4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile (2007)

The Thorn Birds was an absolute wonder!

A story of life changing decisions and love, ripped apart by ambition. A love so pure, so desirable, it's forbidden. The Thorn Birds speaks of true decisions...true love.

The cast was a wonder. Richard Chamberlain playing Father Ralph was brilliant. Rachel Ward playing Meggie Cleary was marvelous. And the others in their own part was superb. I cannot imagine any others playing their characters as well as they did. What I saw in them that I did not in other films, was pure dedication. And that's what makes it a cast like no other. (But really seeing them as if the part they played was meant for them.)

This story is so much more than what it seems. It's hate, passion, and love all developed by the difficulties of growing up in addition to simply living life. What each of the characters go through is significant and should be watched alongside the main idea.

Seeing this miniseries at the age of 17, I can safely say that it is a masterpiece. I compare it to an artist's second canvas of painting. The first will definitely have mistakes. And even though you correct those mistakes the second time around, there's bound to be a few more. And still, it's acceptable. The little mistakes made are what makes it resplendent.

I can only hope that if you ever obtain an opportunity to see this, you do not pass it off. You will watch it with a smile on your face, tears in your eyes, and always with passion in your heart. I can be certain that you will not only watch it once, but various more times. It's one of those miniseries/film that you will not be able to let go of...ever!

It goes without saying that I found it amazing! And definitely my favorite.