AllMovie

The audio and visual effects of this 1979 production are inferior. But its script and faithfulness to Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter are superior. The dialogue, for example, includes verbatim passages rich in imagery and 17th century puritan idioms that enhance the sense of time and place. Moreover, the essential story of sin and redemption in puritan New England is there, condensed but otherwise unaltered. In the lead role, Meg Foster is demure and enduring as Hester Prynne, condemned to wearing the letter "A" (meaning "adulteress") on her dress as a "living sermon" against iniquity. Carefully weighing out her emotions, Foster displays quiet dignity when the citizens taunt Hester and righteous anger when the citizens attempt to take her child. Foster's ethereal beauty, accented by her raven hair and famous inscrutable eyes, make her perfect for the part physically. John Heard's performance as Arthur Dimmesdale, the tortured minister who fathered Hester's child, may be his best acting achievement. His speech at the end of the film is truly moving. Kevin Conway, portraying Hester's husband-come-lately, is also outstanding as he leads his character into the depths of evil in an obsessional quest to ruin Dimmesdale. Alas, such a good film artistically is deeply flawed technically. The film looks and sounds like a stage play, the lighting is dim, and important dialogue isn't always audible. Fortunately, these flaws are not severe enough to ruin the film, thanks to its timeless themes and strong acting.