Average Rating: 
Rating: - Simply Unforgettable, Magnificent
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.
Rating: - Without a doubt, the BEST Mini-series EVER!
Richard Chamberlain never had a better role than that of Ralph de Bricassart. Rachel Ward is beautiful and alluring as Meggie. Richard Kiley has a quiet strength as Paddy and Jean Simmons is superb as his wife "Fee." Bryan Brown's is aggressive and memorable as Luke O'Neill, the archetypical Australian sheep man. The remaining cast members, including Christopher Plummer, Piper Laurie, Earl Holliman, and Mare Winningham are exemplary as they bring to life the pages of McCullough's best-selling novel.However, the movie belongs to Barbara Stanwyck. Although the character of Mary Carson dies early in the production, the scenes in which Stanwyck appears are stunning in their execution. As a "woman of years" pining over the younger de Bricassart, Stanwyck's Carson has that would be her last great one. Her Emmy-winning performance is magnificent. Not a miniseries before or since can match the total perfection of this one.
Rating: - No words can describe!
I love this movie so much. I had remembered seeing part of it with my Mom on TV when I was younger, so I finally decided to buy it last year. Let me just tell you, it has spoken out to me like no other movie ever had. I even read the book, which was equally wonderful, although the movie differs a bit. The actors were perfect for their parts and all critics acclaimed Barbara Stanwyck who won a Golden Globe for her haunting role as Mary Carson. Next, there is Christopher Plummer who was the best Vittorio Scarbanza di Contini-Verchese, he directly sees through Ralph's act. He knows the rose is his torment. Which brings me to Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward who fit beautifully in the portrayal of Ralph and Meggie. Ralph, who is so driven by his supposedly "holy" ambitions and love for God, that he leaves Meggie, as a sacrafice, all those sacrifice. He even gives her a son, but the Cardinal de Bricassart in him takes up too much place in that beach-ball sized head of his. Meggie has never loved anybody else, and while trying to forget her desire for Ralph that will never go away, she finds more trouble. Jean Simmons is terribly good as the ever-so-cold Fiona Cleary, who is always so feelingless. The rest of the supporting cast are also very good, especially Mare Winningham who plays the fiery Justine, Piper Laurie, the true Anne Mueller and Richard Kiley, the Paddy Cleary McCullough's book deserves.This is a story about pride and human nature, of forbidden love and principles. I cried and cried when Ralph leaves Meggie on Matlock Island, when Meggie tells Ralph Dane was his son and when she reconciles with her Mum, who was always so out of reach for her. The final scene is also one of the best. The legend of THE THORN BIRDS is the main asset that will make you love the book and the movie. And in the movie, you have the wonderful score that truly sets the mood, crafted by the very talented Henry Mancini. For those who love love stories, none of that cheezy romantic comedy phony "love", but the true one that makes you love a drama. I give you THE THORN BIRDS. The best! Enjoy it! P.S.: There is no sountrack album available for this movie but you can find The Thorn Birds suite on the Henry Mancini CD "Premiere Pops". On a second note, there is a sequel called THE THORN BIRDS : THE MISSING YEARS, that happens in the middle of the 1983 mini-series. Only Richard Chamberlain comes back back for that 1996 TV Movie. I have not seen it, but it has recently been re-released on VHS (January 8th); the opinions are divided concerning the sequel, it cannot equal the original but must be at leat good. Judge for yourself. The TV Movie has a soundtrack available which basically reuses the original Mancini scores, though not produced by him, so if you are a die-hard of the music, as I am, I suggest you buy it. "We understand when we shove the thorn in our breasts and yeat we do it."
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