Thorn Birds, The (1983)
Genre Drama, Romance
Studio Warner Bros.
Movie Release Date 1983
Country USA
Language English
Audience Rating NR
Running Time 487 mins
Format DVD
Color Color
IMDb Rating 7.9
Cast
Christopher Plummer Archbishop Vittorio Contini-Verchese
Barbara Stanwyck Mary Carson
Jean Simmons Fiona 'Fee' Cleary
Rachel Ward Meggie Cleary
Richard Chamberlain Ralph de Bricassart
Richard Kiley Paddy Cleary
Ken Howard Rainer Hartheim
Piper Laurie Anne Mueller
Earl Holliman Luddie Mueller
Mare Winningham Justine O'Neill
Crew
Director Daryl Duke
Writer Carmen Culver
Writer Colleen McCullough
Producer Irving Paul Lazar
Producer Edward Lewis
Plot
Love. Unattainable. Forbidden. Forever.

A priest torn between God and human passion. A beautiful girl desiring only what she cannot have. Five decades of ambition, fear, longing and revenge. From Colleen McCullough's bestseller, The Thorn Birds tells this epic story against the limitless horizons of Australia's Outback. With a brilliant all-star cast, this TV landmark won six Emmy Awards and remains one of the most beloved miniseries of all time.

Disc 1

Side A: Episode 1
Mary Carson (Barbara Stanwyck), the owner of a large sheep ranch, becomes enamored of parish priest Ralph de Briccasart (Richard Chamberlain) even as he takes notice of Mary's niece Meggie Cleary (Sydney Penny, later Rachel war). When Ralph does not return her ardor, Mary plots to influence his destiny - even from the grave.

Side B: Episode 2
Although drawn to Meggie, Rev. de Bricassart leaves the parish to begin his climb in the Church hierarchy. The Clearys (Jean Simmons and Richard Kiley) agree to run Drogheda, a decision that leads to catastrophe and death.

Disc 2

Side C: Episode 3
Ordained an archbishop in Rome, Ralph is still tormented by his love for Meggie, who marries Luke (Bryan Brown) in a desperate bid to forget him. Ralph returns to Australia to share his sensuous idyll with Meggie, although they both know their happiness cannot last.

Side D: Episode 4
Years after Ralph and Meggie consummate their love, Dane (Philip Anglim), the child of that union, enters the priesthood. Meggie is embittered that both the men she loves chose the church over her. But tragedy forces Meggie to make peace with Ralph, her family and herself.
Special Features
Disc 02: Doumentary
Personal Details
Rating
Seen It Yes
Collection Status In Collection
Links DVD Empire
IMDB
Edition Details
Format DVD
Region Region 1
Release Country USA
TV System NTSC
No. of Disks/Tapes 2
Packaging Custom Case
Screen Ratio Fullscreen (4:3)
Audio Tracks ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Mono
Layers Dual Side, Single Layer
Release Date 03-02-2004