The Scarlet Letter (1979): cast, story & where to watch
1979 · Series · ★ 4.5
Released in 1979, The Scarlet Letter is a drama series.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. The Scarlet Letter stars Meg Foster as Hester Prynne, John Heard as Arthur Dimmesdale, Kevin Conway as Roger Chillingworth and Josef Sommer as Nathaniel Hawthorne, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, The Scarlet Letter has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Scarlet Letter page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Scarlet Letter tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Scarlet Letter (1979)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Scarlet Letter change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Scarlet Letter worth watching?
- The Scarlet Letter holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Scarlet Letter?
- The Scarlet Letter stars Meg Foster, John Heard, Kevin Conway, Josef Sommer and Penelope Allen.
- When was The Scarlet Letter released?
- The Scarlet Letter was released in 1979.