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The Thorn Birds

  • Watchlist
  • 1983-1983
  • 1 Season
  • ABC
  • Drama
  • Watchlist

This mini series covers 60 years in the lives of the Cleary family, brought from New Zealand to Australia to run their aunt Mary Carson's ranch. The story centers on their daughter, Meggie, and her love for the family's priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart. Meggie tries to forget Ralph by marrying dashing stockman Luke O'Neill, but she and Ralph are soon reunited, with tragic consequences for them both.

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Cast & Crew See All

Richard Chamberlain
Ralph de Bricassart
Rachel Ward
Meggie Cleary
Christopher Plummer
Archbishop Vittorio Contini-Verchese

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Part 1

Sun, Mar 27, 1983147 mins

In the lonesome and arid 1920s Australian Outback, Mary Carson--an affluent landowner and the proud proprietor of the vast sheep station, Drogheda--takes in her humble farmhand brother, Paddy Cleary, and his family. As the young and ambitious Catholic priest, Ralph de Bricassart, meets for the first time Paddy's only daughter, Meggie, little by little, a beautiful friendship and a strong bond will form, against the backdrop of unrequited loves, bitter passions, and desperate inner conflicts. Undoubtedly, strong-willed Mary is the land's undisputed ruler; however, how far is she willing to go in the name of love?

Where to Watch
The Thorn Birds, Season 1 Episode 1 image

Awards

  • 1984 - Golden Globe - Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - winner
  • 1984 - Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - nominated
  • 1984 - Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - winner
  • 1984 - Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - winner

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