The Thorn Birds

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 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 grandmother), Jean Simmons, Richard Kiley, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, and Mare Winningham. Chamberlain, who was king of the miniseries form at the time, is very good in the lead, as is the often-underrated Ward. Their characters' affair is indeed irresistible to watch, which is true, too, of the story's thick weave of church politics, social change over decades, and family secrets. Boasting a decent digital transfer and Dolby Digital mono sound, this double-disc set also includes the entertaining 25-minute retrospective documentary “The Thorn Birds: Old Friends, New Stories,” featuring new interviews with Chamberlain, Ward, her husband Brown (whom she met on the set), and executive producer David L. Wolper. Recommended. (T. Keogh)