Search - Salem Witch Trials on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Movie Release: 2003 DVD Release: 09/30/2008 Format: DVD - Color,Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 3 hrs 11 mins Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment Members Wishing: 5 Genres: Drama, Period Film, Courtroom Drama See Also: Salem Witch Trials [Blu-ray]

In the tradition of Arthur Miller's McCarthy-era play The Crucible, this two-part TV dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials was heavily influenced by the present-day political scene. Rev. Parris (Henry Czerny), spiritual leader of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, needs a unifying issue to end the intramural squabbling between the town's Puritans. When the daughters of Ann and Thomas Putnam (Kirstie Alley and Jay O. Sanders) begin behaving in a bizarre, disruptive fashion, Parris knows that he has found something that can be transformed into a target of unilateral hatred for his flock. Before long, the Putnam girls and the family's servant Titubea (Gloria Reuben) have been labeled as witches, and eventually the hysteria spreads throughout the town, with anyone who doesn't agree with the status quo running the risk of public ostracism, and ultimately, execution for witchcraft (the eventual fate of 20 unfortunates). The climax is devoted to the notorious witch trials, staged at the behest of the Massachusetts colony's politically ambitious deputy governor (Peter Ustinov). Shirley MacLaine makes a rare TV appearance as the ill-fated Rebecca Nurse. Salem Witch Trials was presented by CBS on March 2 and 4, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Kirstie Alley - Ann Putnam
Shirley MacLaine - Rebecca Nurse
Peter Ustinov - William Stoughton, deputy governor
Gloria Reuben - Titubea
Henry Czerny - Rev. Parris