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The Thorn Birds (1983)
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Cast & crew
Synopsis
This mammoth TV miniseries, based on the best-selling novel by Colleen McCullough, proved to be a ratings bonanza; indeed, its viewership was surpassed only by the 1978 blockbuster
Roots
. Set in Australia, the story covers 42 years in the life of Ralph de Bricassart (
Richard Chamberlain
), a Roman Catholic priest engaged in a constant struggle between his calling and his carnal desires. The women in de Bricassart's life include Meggie Cleary (
Rachel Ward
, in her first American TV role) and Meggie's iron-willed grandmother Mary Carson (
Barbara Stanwyck
). Also in the cast are
Jean Simmons
and
Richard Kiley
as the Clearys,
Sydney Penny
as the young Meggie,
Bryan Brown
as Luke O'Neill,
Mare Winningham
as Justine (Meggie's daughter) and
Christopher Plummer
as the Archbishop. This 4-part, 10-hour presentation earned an Emmy award for
Barbara Stanwyck
, and Golden Globes for Stanwyck and
Richard Chamberlain
. Originally telecast March 27 through March 30, 1983, The Thorn Birds was followed 13 years later by The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years, again starring
Richard Chamberlain
. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Cast
Philip Anglim
Dane O'Neill
Richard Chamberlain
Ralph de Briccasart
John Friedrich
Frank Cleary
Earl Holliman
Luddie Mueller
Richard Kiley
Paddy Cleary
Piper Laurie
Anne Mueller
Sydney Penny
Young Meggie
Christopher Plummer
Vittorio Scarbanza di Contini-Verchese
Jean Simmons
Fee Cleary
Barbara Stanwyck
Mary Carson
Rachel Ward
Meggie Cleary
Mare Winningham
Justine O'Neill
Bryan Brown
Luke O'Neill
Ken Howard
Rainer Hartheim
Production Crew
Colleen McCullough
Book Author
Bill Butler
Cinematographer
Henry Mancini
Composer (Music Score)
William Travilla
Costume Designer
Daryl Duke
Director
C. Timothy O'Meara
Editor
David Saxon
Editor
Robert F. Shugrue
Editor
Timothy O'Meara
Editor
David L. Wolper
Executive Producer
Edward Lewis
Executive Producer
Stan Margulies
Producer
Robert C. MacKichan
Production Designer
Carmen Culver
Screenwriter
Year: 1983
Runtime: 487
Country:
MPAA Rating:
Category: Series
Genre
Drama
Romance
Produced by
Edward Lewis Productions
Warner Brothers Television
Awards
1983 - Best Mini-Series or Television Movie - Golden Globe
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