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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Spendidly Authentic. Stunning. Compelling. Fascinating." --Hollywood Reporter
Product Description
Salem, Massachusetts. A small town—with no clear governing body—became embroiled in a scandal that forever stands as one of the darkest chapters in American history. For those accused of witchcraft by their neighbors and friends, there was little chance of clearing their names; the mass paranoia that ravaged through the community took the lives of 19 innocent men and women. With an all-star cast of Kirstie Alley, Rebecca De Mornay, Kristin Booth, Shirley MacLaine, Peter Ustinov and Alan Bates, Salem Witch Trials dramatically revisits 1692 colonial America and the haunting legacy it holds.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"Salem Witch Trials" is a compelling 2003 CBS mini-series that featured many familiar and veteran actors and for the most part, stayed true to the historical events that came to be known as the Salem Witch Trials.
The mini-series begins on a rather odd note - it is right in the middle of a trial where the afflicted girls [who are the ones accusing people of witchcraft]go into hysterics and start wailing and screaming, then the accused start transforming into 'demons' [with rather striking make-up and 'flying' special effects]. Thankfully, this only lasts a couple of minutes [the production could have done without it], and viewers are taken back via flashback to six months prior where the events began.
The story focuses on the Puritans residing in the village of Salem, Massachusetts, and the year is 1691. There is no charter from England and hence, the Puritans basically govern themselves without any written law. Those who commit crimes or sins are publicly humiliated [there is a scene where women deemed guilty of sinful conduct are paraded naked whilst tied to a wagon]. The family that is the focal point in this series is the Putnam family - Ann Putnam [Kirstie Alley] gives birth to a stillborn child and is full of grief. Her husband Thomas Putnam [Jay O Sanders] is a bitter man, having lost a lot of his land and wealth to others who are more entrepreneurial. They have a son and daughter and young Annie Putnam [Katie Boland] senses the tension between her parents and finds herself being neglected, hence her desire to act out as a means of gaining attention.
Things are not helped by the Reverend Parris [Henry Czerny] who in his desperate desire to maintain his standing amongst members of his congregation, convinces them that all the social unrest and calamities befalling villagers are the work of diabolical forces.
Soon, a group of girls, including Parris' own daughter and niece start crying out and acting strangely, convulsing and going into trances, and finally accusing innocent townspeople of witchcraft.Amongst the earliest accused are Sarah Good, a poor woman who begs for a living, and Tituba [Gloria Reuben] who is a slave working in the Parris household. The number of accused increases as the girls find themselves getting more attention and begin to gain a sense of power. The production convincingly portrays the social restrictions of the time and of the harsh living conditions of the Puritans, and posits several plausible theories as to the cause of the 'madness' that beset Salem village at that time - the repressed social lives of the Puritans, the lack of freedom, not much in terms of passing one's time, the desperate need for attention amongst the young, and also the politics of life in a community where villagers frequently argued and even brought lawsuits against one another over property and business.
The storyline is riveting and moves along at a steady but sure pace, building momentum as the horror unfolds - the acting is also solid and credible - Kirstie Alley's Ann Putnam is a conflicted and tortured soul. Her grief over her dead child causes her to turn to a village medicine woman, Bridgitte Bishop who is later accused as a witch, and this in turn causes her immense guilt [for turning 'away' from God]. She is by turns horrified and self-righteous at the situation in Salem. This is one of Alley's best dramatic performances to date. Henry Czerny's Rev Parris is credibly done, acting out the part of a so-called man of God who decries against self-interest whilst shamelessly practising it for self-preservation. Then there is young Katie Boland as Annie Putnam who incites revulsion for her performance as the misguided accuser.Rebecca de Mornay plays Rev Parris' wife who is mortified by the events in Salem and finally leaves her husband.
There are also veteran actors who have done an incredible job with their roles here - Shirley Maclaine plays the ill-fated Rebecca Nurse, one of the accused who also happens to be a pillar in society, a devout mother and elderly woman who maintains her faith and sense of humor in the bleakest of times. Peter Ustinov plays the Magistrate William Stoughton, a man so absorbed in proving the accused guilty that he never once questions his judgements. And there is Alan Bates playing Gvernor Sir William Phips, who initially acts the dandy and seems disinterested but who eventually realises something is seriously wrong in Salem.
The sets and costumes lend an authentic feel to the story, making the Salem of 1691-'92 come alive onscreen. All in all, this is a first-class production and will appeal to history buffs, educators [though with some nudity I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for classroom viewing] and period & historical drama fans.Highly recommended!
The mini-series begins on a rather odd note - it is right in the middle of a trial where the afflicted girls [who are the ones accusing people of witchcraft]go into hysterics and start wailing and screaming, then the accused start transforming into 'demons' [with rather striking make-up and 'flying' special effects]. Thankfully, this only lasts a couple of minutes [the production could have done without it], and viewers are taken back via flashback to six months prior where the events began.
The story focuses on the Puritans residing in the village of Salem, Massachusetts, and the year is 1691. There is no charter from England and hence, the Puritans basically govern themselves without any written law. Those who commit crimes or sins are publicly humiliated [there is a scene where women deemed guilty of sinful conduct are paraded naked whilst tied to a wagon]. The family that is the focal point in this series is the Putnam family - Ann Putnam [Kirstie Alley] gives birth to a stillborn child and is full of grief. Her husband Thomas Putnam [Jay O Sanders] is a bitter man, having lost a lot of his land and wealth to others who are more entrepreneurial. They have a son and daughter and young Annie Putnam [Katie Boland] senses the tension between her parents and finds herself being neglected, hence her desire to act out as a means of gaining attention.
Things are not helped by the Reverend Parris [Henry Czerny] who in his desperate desire to maintain his standing amongst members of his congregation, convinces them that all the social unrest and calamities befalling villagers are the work of diabolical forces.
Soon, a group of girls, including Parris' own daughter and niece start crying out and acting strangely, convulsing and going into trances, and finally accusing innocent townspeople of witchcraft.Amongst the earliest accused are Sarah Good, a poor woman who begs for a living, and Tituba [Gloria Reuben] who is a slave working in the Parris household. The number of accused increases as the girls find themselves getting more attention and begin to gain a sense of power. The production convincingly portrays the social restrictions of the time and of the harsh living conditions of the Puritans, and posits several plausible theories as to the cause of the 'madness' that beset Salem village at that time - the repressed social lives of the Puritans, the lack of freedom, not much in terms of passing one's time, the desperate need for attention amongst the young, and also the politics of life in a community where villagers frequently argued and even brought lawsuits against one another over property and business.
The storyline is riveting and moves along at a steady but sure pace, building momentum as the horror unfolds - the acting is also solid and credible - Kirstie Alley's Ann Putnam is a conflicted and tortured soul. Her grief over her dead child causes her to turn to a village medicine woman, Bridgitte Bishop who is later accused as a witch, and this in turn causes her immense guilt [for turning 'away' from God]. She is by turns horrified and self-righteous at the situation in Salem. This is one of Alley's best dramatic performances to date. Henry Czerny's Rev Parris is credibly done, acting out the part of a so-called man of God who decries against self-interest whilst shamelessly practising it for self-preservation. Then there is young Katie Boland as Annie Putnam who incites revulsion for her performance as the misguided accuser.Rebecca de Mornay plays Rev Parris' wife who is mortified by the events in Salem and finally leaves her husband.
There are also veteran actors who have done an incredible job with their roles here - Shirley Maclaine plays the ill-fated Rebecca Nurse, one of the accused who also happens to be a pillar in society, a devout mother and elderly woman who maintains her faith and sense of humor in the bleakest of times. Peter Ustinov plays the Magistrate William Stoughton, a man so absorbed in proving the accused guilty that he never once questions his judgements. And there is Alan Bates playing Gvernor Sir William Phips, who initially acts the dandy and seems disinterested but who eventually realises something is seriously wrong in Salem.
The sets and costumes lend an authentic feel to the story, making the Salem of 1691-'92 come alive onscreen. All in all, this is a first-class production and will appeal to history buffs, educators [though with some nudity I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for classroom viewing] and period & historical drama fans.Highly recommended!
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Ok, I have just finished watching this movie and let me tell you, it was worth the 3 hrs of run time from beginning to end. The cast was superb and the acting was magnificent. The well played out plot was as close as a movie can come to dipicting a real life event. The movie kept much to the real story of the Salem Witch trials, or as close to as the historians have written about. This movie is worth every cent I sent on it and I recommend it very highly.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
A Kid's Review
Format:DVD
This was wonderfuly done! More than just entertainment. This is a must see for those who enjoy history and drama. It is rather long but with not one wasted moment.
The actors, costume design and sets are all top notch. This is an emotional story that had me feeling anger, sadness, pitty and satisfaction.
This was very much worth watching.
The actors, costume design and sets are all top notch. This is an emotional story that had me feeling anger, sadness, pitty and satisfaction.
This was very much worth watching.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Puritans or Taliban....
First, Kirsti Alley did a great job as a dramatic actress, since i've only seen her in comedic rolls. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Maude
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent witch film
This is a fairly long film so actually was probably a miniseries. Well-acted and suspenseful with well-known actors whi I like. Read more
Published 1 month ago by diane manson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Salem Witch Trials
This movie is interesting but overly dramatic. It will leave you with a better knowledge of the historic time that it presents.
Published 3 months ago by Susan Rehm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting
very informative and interesting movie enjoyed the history of the movie i would recommend this to others that are interested in this kind of movies.
Published 3 months ago by Darrell Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Making History Come Alive
I have been to salem and love reading about the witch trials because I find it mind blowing how a town with no formal goverment would not be able to apply logic as adults, instead... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kate Joyner
1.0 out of 5 stars
Terrible Movie
I was greatly disappointed in this movie! This was one of the worst movies I have seen in a long time. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ronald S. Raider
5.0 out of 5 stars
Salem Witch Trials
this was very insightful to really tell the story of the little town of Salem of what realy happen to every one..
Published 4 months ago by L Blessitt
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good movie
A great movie. Kristie Alley does a great job acting. It is a bit long and it shows the visions the girls suffer but otherwise gives a good account of the historical period.
Published 5 months ago by Richard Pollette
5.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFUL MOVIE
GREAT MOVIE BASED ON HISTORY KRISTIE ALLEY WAS GREAT. HOPE YOU ENJOY IT IF ANYTHING LIKE I SAID IT WAS GREAT FOR THE HOSTORY OF THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS.
Published 5 months ago by KATY
3.0 out of 5 stars
salem witch trials
I am big into History it was my favorite subject when i was in Schoolthe movie was pretty good. I enjoyed it and it got here real fast
Published 5 months ago by amberlyn
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