Three Sovereigns for Sarah
by Philip Leacock
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: John Dukakis, Kim Hunter, Patrick McGoohan, Vanessa Redgrave, Will LymanDirector: Philip Leacock
Brand: PBS
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 171 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-06-07
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: PBS
Movie Reviews of Three Sovereigns for Sarah
Movie Review: The compelling story of three devout sisters from the Salem Witch Trials
Summary: 5 Stars
"Three Sovereigns for Sarah" [1985] was part of the American Playhouse series, an anthology television series periodically broadcast by PBS. I have watched most dramatizations of the Salem Witch Trials, be it the History channel's docudrama about the Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible [based on Arthur Miller's work], and more recently Salem Witch Trials [2003 CBS mini-series]. Three Sovereigns for Sarah stands as a gripping reenactment of the tragic events that unfolded in Salem village in 1692 and tells the compelling story of the victims, focusing on three sisters accused of witchcraft.
The main star of this production is Vanessa Redgrave who plays Sarah Cloyce, one of the three accused sisters during the Salem Witch Trials. It's been 10 years since the tragic events of 1692 in which 20 innocent people were put to death for witchcraft [19 hanged, one pressed to death]. Sarah is aging and frail in health and is accompanied by her nephew Samuel Nurse [whose mother Rebecca Nurse was one of those hanged] and goes to Boston to see the English magistrates [who are representing the Queen] and seeking vindication for her and her sisters. Sarah tells the magistrates her story in the hopes that they will be convinced of her and her sisters' innocence.
Sarah takes them all via flashback to the year 1692 when all the troubles began - in the Reverend Parris' household [minister of Salem Village] whose house slave Tituba [Sylvia Ann Soares] passes idle time by indulging young Abigail Williams [Parris' niece] and Bette Parris in dangerous pursuits such as palm-reading and crystal gazing. Not long after a couple of the other village girls begin to attend Tituba's sessions such as Ann Putnam Jr whose mother Ann Putnam Sr is an embittered woman who manipulates her own child for her and her husband's advancement in the community.
Eventually, the girls start accusing townspeople of witchcraft, including Sarah Cloyce's devout sister, the aging and ailing Rebecca Nurse [Phyllis Thaxter]. Soon after, Sarah herself is accused followed by her other sister Mary [Maria Todd]. As the beginning of the story already mentions the fact that both of Sarah's sisters are found guilty and hanged, the rest of the story focuses on Sarah's retelling of the events, with the aim of convincing the magistrates of her and her sisters' innocence.
I liked this production particularly for its historical accuracy. Actual transcripts of the trials were used in the production which added to its' authenticity. What elevated the show for me though was Vanessa Redgrave's compelling portrayal of the wronged and anguished Sarah Cloyce. Be it in her narration of the events [her voice manages to evoke all the pain and horror of the times] or in her acting, she is truly magnificent and ably carries the production. The other adult actors did a credible job too, especially Shay Duffin as Judge Hathorne, the only judge who never repented of his actions and who also happens to be the ancestor of author Nathaniel Hawthorne [of Scarlet Letter and House of the Seven Gables].
The child actors though left much to be desired. I felt they were not very convincing in their roles as the 'afflicted' victims of witchcraft and more annoying than menacing in their expressions of malice.
The production values seemed rather cheap compared to the 2003 CBS mini-series which is to be expected, but what truly annoyed me was the background music. The banging drums in particular seemed really out of place and were played at the most inopportune times.
But those small gripes aside, Vanessa Redgrave's narration and acting truly makes this production a must-see, and it's historical accuracy makes Three Sovereigns for Sarah a compelling and authentic retelling of the Salem Witch Trials. Highly recommended!
Summary of Three Sovereigns for Sarah
Studio: Pbs Release Date: 05/06/2009 Run time: 180 minutesSimilar DVD Movies
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