Product Details

• Actors: Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, Brett Cullen
• Writers: Lee Stanley
• Producers: Lee Stanley
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Run Time: 477 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (294 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302423651
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,881 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

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 Carson (Rachel Ward), while seeking advancement in his clergyman career. The passion and the 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 something of the king of the miniseries form at the time, is very good in the lead, as is the often-underrated Ward. Their affair is indeed irresistible to watch, which proves to be true, too, of the story's thick weave of church politics, forbidden desire, social change over decades, and family secrets. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

Based on the bestselling novel, the film follows a priest and his struggle between his calling and his carnal lusts.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Could Probably Recite the Dialogue by Heart, July 8, 2002

By 

Raquel L. Brassfield "rockmuse" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Thorn Birds - The Complete Miniseries [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Ok... first, I have to say that Tom Keogh, whose review sits above as the standard review for Amazon, needs to actually watch the movie. Opinion is one thing, but at least get the facts correct. Rachel Ward plays Meggie Cleary (not Meggie Carson) and Barbara Stanwyck plays her greedy, manipulative, devil-incarnate aunt.... not her grandmother. That aside...this still stands...for me at least, as the greatest mini-series ever! And, considering all the recent scandal surrounding the Catholic Church today, it is as relevant and thought provoking today as it was in 1983 when so many were incenced not only by the content and plot of the movie, but by its time of airing (holy week-the days leading up to Easter). The cast is perfection and makes an already engaging story about the inner battles of an ambitious Austrailan Priest (played by Richard Chamberlain who never looked more gorgeous)even more amazing. Not a single miscast here. The performances are phenomenal. This is a movie with that searing edge of forbidden love and the torment of unrequited love combined with a heavy dose of romance, great characters, manipulation, greed, and the progress of a family torn apart by various maladies. The chemistry between the all the characters is so apparent. It is a movie that makes you think and makes you cheer for something that is deliciously guilt-ridden. In case you couldn't tell... I love this movie!!!!!!! This is a guilty pleasure to the highest degree... like the most decadent Godiva chocolate if it could be made in the form of a film. Buy it...keep it... watch it over and over. Perfect for a girls only party or a rainy saturday afternoon. Get some snacks... sit back and know that 8 hours will seem to float by.

71 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Unforgettable, Magnificent, May 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Thorn Birds - The Complete Miniseries [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I first saw this mini series in 1983 when it first aired, I was 13! I watched each subsequent rerun and taped it. Even though I had it on tape I would always watch it again if it's on, like on the Love Stories channel.

In a word, "unforgettable". If you are into romance novels, this is the ultimate romance. Forget the sappy, brainless, shallow Harlequins, this is the real thing. If you are into romance but haven't read this book or seen the movie, you are missing out on something magical. Trust me, buy the book, rent the movie or buy it. You won't regret it.

You won't ever forget it.

The acting is first rate. I disagree with the previous reviewer about Rachel Ward, she does fine, in fact once you watch it you'll want these people to be real. You'll want to visit Drogheda! Barbara Stanwyck is amazing as the vindictive Mary Carson. The birthday party is one of many high points. Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Piper Laurie, Christopher Plummer, Mare Winningham, Earl Holliman, Richard Kiley, Jean Simmons, Bryan Brown are all excellent.

The story starts out in 1920's Australia and begins with Paddy Cleary and his family, including the very young Meggie Cleary (played by Sydney Penny of All My Children!) arriving at the Gilley Station, Father Ralph meets them and sees Meggie for the first time. I'll leave it at that. From there, you won't want to get up to go to the bathroom or get a snack until you have to change tapes.

This is, in my opinion, the best mini-series ever on TV by far. The impact of this story was so great that they made a second mini-series in 1996 to satisfy fans. This time, without any of the original actors except Richard Chamberlain. It's not horrible but doesn't have any of the magic of the original. Even with that, you'll want to see "The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years" after you've watched the original.

Disregard the two reviews by the "Aussie's". They are completely off base and misinformed. First, the movie was filmed in AUSTRALIA, not OREGON. I live in Oregon and no where in Oregon looks like that. I remember reading that it was indeed filmed in Australia. Second, the accents are fine. Third, no Aussie actors? Bryan Brown anyone?

The Thorn Birds is unforgettable. Take a rainy Saturday and watch it alone. The day will go by so fast, it will be dark when it ends and you won't have noticed but you'll have a big smile on your face and tears in your eyes at the end, if only because it is the end of the story.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The whole kit and kaboodle (question is it worth it)?, September 23, 2005

By 

Eric Pregosin (New Carrollton, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Thorn Birds Collector's Edition (The Thorn Birds / The Thorn Birds 2 - The Missing Years) (DVD)

Since I've already reviewed and bought both of these as separate items, I'm not gonna repeat anything about each show (see individual reviews for that). I will just rehash what I have all along. Despite its missing pieces from the book, the Original is still 5 star material. The "in betweener" is only worth it's value because it is a disc copy (as opposed to a tape copy). My advice, buy the Original separately, and read the book to get the "real missing years". If you are building a library of "ALL Richard Chamberlain", then buy both or this combo. But be prepared to be disappointed in what the alleged "Missing Years" has to offer (again see separate review). By the way for those who pay attention to cosmetic details, in most places that sell this combo, The Missing Years is in a thin case "attached" to the box of the original while the separate release is in a see through normal size case. The notes on both programs are the same as on the separate copies.