The Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter is a 1979 miniseries based on the novel of the same name that aired on WGBH from March 3, 1979 to March 24, 1979. The series is four episodes long, 60 minutes each. Part 2 won the 1979 Emmy Award for Outstanding Video Tape Editing for a Limited Series or Special for film editors Ken Denisoff, Janet McFadden, and Tucker Wiard. In 1979, when most literary programs were being produced in the United Kingdom, Boston public television station WGBH decided to produce a homegrown literary classic of its own. The result is this epic version of Nathaniel Hawthorne's enduring novel of Puritan America in search of its soul. Hester Prynne overcomes the stigma of adultery to emerge as the first great heroine in American literature. Hawthorne's themes, the nature of sin, social hypocrisy, and community repression, still reverberate through American society. Meg Foster brings a quiet strength to the role of Hester, the adulteress condemned to wear a scarlet "A" for the rest of her life. As her partner in crime, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, John Heard writhes in private torment most convincingly. Kevin Conway completes this grim triangle as the mysterious, maleficent Roger Chillingworth. The costumes and scenery are simple, so as not to detract from the dialogue as each character grapples with the meaning of sin, forgiveness, and redemption.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 17th-century Puritan New England, Hester Prynne is condemned for adultery and forced to wear a scarlet 'A' on her dress. She endures public shame and ostracism while refusing to reveal the name of her lover, Arthur Dimmesdale. As she raises her daughter Pearl in isolation, Hester grapples with her faith, her passion, and the rigid social structure that seeks to break her spirit.
Critical Reception
This 1979 adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel was a television film that garnered some attention for its cast and its attempt to tackle the complex themes of the source material. While it aimed for a faithful portrayal, critical reception was generally mixed, with some appreciating its earnestness and others finding it somewhat lacking in the dramatic impact of previous iterations or the novel itself.
What Reviewers Say
- Meg Foster's portrayal of Hester Prynne was often cited as a strong point.
- The film was seen as a somber and faithful, if not entirely captivating, adaptation.
- Some critics found the pacing and dramatic tension to be somewhat subdued for the source material.
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Fun Fact
The film was produced as a television movie, which significantly impacted its distribution and potential for widespread critical acclaim compared to theatrical releases.
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