One of the most successful television miniseries ever has been recently released on DVD.
— "The Thorn Birds" (Warner, 1983, not rated, $29.98, two discs). Overwrought and filled with soap opera cliches, this hugely popular fictional miniseries is also highly entertaining, with some terrific performances and wonderful atmosphere in the primary setting of the Australian outback. The show is racy, though not as racy as today's everyday television — but it is still a bit shocking to see a priest violate his vows and, without a whole lot of penance, continue to climb within the Catholic Church's power structure.
The story begins in the early 20th century and over six decades tells the story of Father Ralph (Richard Chamberlain), who is tempted by the undying (some would say obsessive) love of Maggie (Rachel Ward), a woman he helped raise from childhood. Although he does keep returning to her life, in the end Ralph is on the road to becoming a cardinal, and he cannot give up his ambitions within the church.
Ward, as the adult Maggie, shows up near the two-hour mark of the first episode, the baton passed to her by Barbara Stanwyck, who effectively chews the scenery as a rich, miserly rancher whose love for Father Ralph is rebuffed. Later, Bryan Brown oozes charm as a self-centered ranch hand who woos Maggie for her money and marries her (though her heart is still with you-know-who). (Brown and Ward met on this film and married the same year.)
Also on hand are Christopher Plummer, Jean Simmons, Piper Laurie, Richard Kiley, Mare Winningham — and a bevy of familiar character players — all of whom give first-rate performances. (Stanwyck, Simmons and Kiley all won Emmys.)
The episodes are contained on two double-sided discs, and there is a mini-documentary with many of the principals newly interviewed (primarily Chamberlain, Ward and Brown).
Extras: Full frame, four feature-length episodes, making-of featurette, etc.
E-mail: hicks@desnews.com