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The Thorn Birds  (1983)

The Thorn Birds
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
Theatrical Feature Running Time:
487 mins

Theatrical Release Information:
The Thorn Birds

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


The Thorn Birds Trivia

Who played Ralph de Briccasart in the movie The Thorn Birds?
Richard Chamberlain played Ralph de Briccasart in the movie The Thorn Birds

Who played Meggie Cleary in the movie The Thorn Birds?
Rachel Ward played Meggie Cleary in the movie The Thorn Birds

Who played Mary Carson in the movie The Thorn Birds?
Barbara Stanwyck played Mary Carson in the movie The Thorn Birds

Who played Vittorio Scarbanza di Contini-Verchese in the movie The Thorn Birds?
Christopher Plummer played Vittorio Scarbanza di Contini-Verchese in the movie The Thorn Birds

Who played Luke O'Neill in the movie The Thorn Birds?
Bryan Brown played Luke O'Neill in the movie The Thorn Birds

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Portions of Content Provided by All Movie Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.