DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
1983: 'The Thorn Birds' Debuts on ABC
March 27, 2021  | By David Bianculli  | 17 comments
 
Of the five higest-rated miniseries in TV history, Richard Chamberlain is the only actor to have starred in two: 1980's Shogun, and this 1983 romantic drama, second only to Roots on the all-time list.

Based on Colleen McCullough's sprawling novel, The Thorn Birds — which premiered on this day in 1983 — is less ambitious and satisfying than Shogun, but as major melodramas go, this ten-hour ABC drama contains some strong performances, especially by Chamberlain as Ralph de Bricassart (the priest torn between his religious vows and his life-long love for Meggie Cleary), by Barbara Stanwyck as the matriarch who tries to seduce him, and by supporting players Richard Kiley, Piper Laurie, Christopher Plummer, and, as young Meggie, Sydney Penny. (The "elder" Meggie, played by Rachel Ward, became a minor star as a result of her costarring role here, but barely earned it.) The Thorn Birds also boasted some strong set pieces, such as the sheepshearing race that, in more than one sense, qualified as shear entertainment.

In addition to the sheepshearing, the miniseries did a lot of leapfrogging, jumping from time frame to time frame so quickly that one unintentionally funny superimposed caption read, "Nineteen years later." That came in handy, though, when CBS began production in 1995 on a miniseries sequel dramatizing that neglected portion of original story. Called The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years, it once again starred Chamberlain as Father Ralph, but this time gave the role of the adult Meggie to L.A. Law alumnus Amanda Donohoe. Ironically, Sydney Penny, the young actress who had portrayed the preteen Meggie in 1983, was by that time an adult actress, playing Julia on All My Children, and old enough to play opposite Chamberlain in the sequel. She was not, however, offered the part, which must have been a real Thorn in her side.

—Excerpted from Dictionary of Teleliteracy: Television's 500 Biggest Hits, Misses and Events

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
CUEJP
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: 
17 Comments
 
 
Indianetzone
Bugun Liocichla was first spotted in 1995 in Arunachal Pradesh. This bird was described as a new species in 2006. The description was made without the collection of a type specimen as they were too few to risk killing one. It is thought to be an endangered species, with the only known population estimated to consist of 14 individuals and commercial development threatening the habitat of this population.
Oct 19, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I need to to thank you for this very good read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check out new things you post
Oct 7, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I appreciate this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so interested in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. Your blog is really impressiv
Sep 30, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Indianetzone
The Indian Parrot is a great talker that makes them an attractive species of bird. Indian Parrots natively reside in Asia - mainly India and Pakistan. They are forest dwelling animals that will occasionally forage for food on the ground.
https://www.indianetzone.com/75/indian_parrot.htm
Sep 14, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
For movie lovers, there is no one who does not remember this beautiful and charming girl.
Apr 26, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
One of our trained technicians will fit the liner right over your existing bathtub, restoring a like-new look.
Feb 19, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I have bookmarked your blog, the articles are way much better than other similar blogs.. thanks for a great blog!
Feb 14, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.
Feb 1, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Jamie Mai is a hedge fund manager who has generated world class returns for Cornwall Capital, a fund he founded
Jan 31, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
No-code platforms are empowering a new generation of makers to create beautiful web and mobile apps without writing a single line of code.
Jan 31, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
The success of any business depends largely on its ability to establish a strong brand presence. The goal of brand marketing services is to differentiate the company’s offerings from competitors in order to build a loyal customer base and drive sales. A successful brand strategy will create a recognizable identity for the organization or product that resonates with consumers on an emotional and rational level.
Jan 31, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Digital Marketing Attribution is a hot topic in the eCommerce world, especially post-iOS14, when in-platform metrics have become less reliable than ever. And that’s a major reason why we developed Triple Whale: to demystify what parts of your marketing spend are truly driving your results.
Jan 31, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
We arrived on your weblog whilst concentrating simply somewhat submits. Good technique for following, I'll be book-marking at the same time grab your own total increases.
Jan 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
is your complete solution to Heating Air Conditioning Maintenance, Service and Repair Contact us today.
Jan 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Find here your address for the most radiant wedding photos ? The most moving pregnancy photos ? And the cutest newborn photos of Limburg ?.
Jan 27, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn't only useful but it's additionally really creative too. There tend to be very few people who is able to certainly write not too simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing
Jan 25, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Zeke
The Book was better--- I lost an entire Summer in it--
woke up in Autumn!
Mar 27, 2019   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: