Stars: Winona Ryder, Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Scofield, Joan Allen, Bruce Davison, George Gaynes, Jeffrey Jones, Peter Vaughan, Rob Campbell, Karron Graves, Charlayne Woodard

Director: Nicholas Hytner

Summary: Salem, Massachusetts in the 1800s becomes the scene of a great witch-hunt brought about by a young housemaid who is cast out of her employment for becoming attached to the man of the house, farmer John Proctor.

The film adaptation of Arthur Miller's classic, fact-based play, which was a veiled metaphor for the "Red Scare" McCarthy Hearings of the 1950s. Set in 1690s Salem, Massachusetts, the story concerns Abigail (Ryder), a teenager who once had an affair with married farmer John Proctor (Day-Lewis). Their relationship comes to an end, however, when his wife Elizabeth (Joan Allen) learns about it. One night, in the woods, Abigail and a group of girls undress and engage in a ritualistic ceremony, during which Abigail puts a deadly curse on Elizabeth. But when this revelry is brought to light, the shocked villagers come to believe that Satan is in their town. A witch hunt begins, with arrests, trials and burnings at the stake in store for many of the accused girls. Furthermore, the affair between John and Abigail does not escape scrutiny. Featuring a powerful performance from Paul Scofield as the Judge.

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The Salem witch hunts are given a new and nasty perspective when a vengeful teenage girl uses superstition and repression to her advantage, creating a killing machine that becomes a force unto itself. Pulsating with seductive energy, this provocative drama is as visually arresting as it is intellectually engrossing. Arthur Miller based his classic 1953 play on the actual Salem witch trials of 1692, creating what has since become a durable fixture of school drama courses. It may look like a historical drama but Miller also meant the work as a parable for the misery created by the McCarthy anti-Communist hearings of the 1950s. This searing version of his drama delves into matters of conscience with concise accuracy and emotional honesty. Three passionate cheers for Miller, director Nicholas Hytner and costars Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Year:	1996
Release Date:	April 19, 2004
Runtime:	118 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	04144 D V D
Keywords:	General, Crucible, Drama, Period
Genre:	Drama