The Crucible

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.