Synopsis
The drama is set within a backdrop of a strict religious community struggling to survive the rugged conditions in their New World colony. While contending with various health, safety, comfort and financial hardships, they are suddenly faced with a group of adolescent village girls who seem to be experiencing violent demonic-induced fits. The frightened community is all too quick to believe the girls' explanation - that they have become "afflicted" by witches who are living within their own Puritan community. The Reverend Samuel Parris, William Stoughton, the Deputy Governor of Massachusetts, and several other male leaders begin a ruthless witch hunt to purge their town and region. Soon no one is beyond suspicion - though it is the town's women who are most readily accused.
Kirstie Alley stars as Ann Putnam, the wife of the influential Thomas Putnam, who, in the footsteps of her daughter, Annie, seemingly becomes "afflicted" with strange visions and fits that she publicly blames on the alleged witchcraft of some of her neighbors. Rebecca Nurse (Shirley MacLaine), a devoutly religious and kind community elder, is one of the women to fall prey to Ann's accusations; Nurse's formerly sterling reputation causes a few to, at least, question the validity of such charges of witchcraft. Gloria Reuben portrays Tituba Indian, the Parris family's slave servant, who is among the first to be accused. The shocked and terrified Tituba ends up feigning guilt in a desperate attempt to avoid being hanged. Rebecca De Mornay portrays Elizabeth Parris, Samuel's strong-willed though sickly wife, who, against his wishes, leaves town with their seemingly afflicted daughter, Betty, in an effort to protect the child from being put on display by her witch-obsessed father. Sir Alan Bates plays Sir William Phips, the no-nonsense new Governor of Massachusetts, who appears to be the townspeople's only hope for bringing an end to the disturbing and deadly trials.
During the yearlong real-life witch trials, 156 innocent people were accused, 30 convicted and 20 killed.
Canada