Watch Three Sovereigns for Sarah

In 1692, the small town of Salem, Massachusetts was engulfed in a wave of hysteria that would come to be known as the Salem Witch Trials. Over a period of several months, 20 people were executed on charges of witchcraft, and many more were accused and imprisoned. Three Sovereigns for Sarah is a historical drama that tells the story of one family's struggle during this dark time.

The show, which was originally produced for PBS in 1985, is based on the book "A Delusion of Satan" by Frances Hill. The story centers around Sarah Cloyce, one of three sisters accused of witchcraft. Sarah's sisters, Rebecca Nurse and Mary Eastey, were both hanged, while Sarah was imprisoned for over a year before being released.

The show opens with Sarah's husband, Edmund, returning from a trip to Boston to find that his wife and sisters-in-law have been accused of practicing witchcraft. Edmund is outraged and determined to clear his family's name, but soon realizes the enormity of the task before him.

The people of Salem are gripped by a kind of mass hysteria, and anyone suspected of witchcraft is subject to arrest and imprisonment. The trials are conducted with little regard for due process or evidence, and the accused are often convicted based on hearsay or flimsy evidence.

As the trials progress, Sarah finds herself caught up in the madness. At one point, she is put on trial herself, and her fate depends on the testimony of a young girl named Abigail Williams. Abigail is a key figure in the trials, and her accusations are responsible for the imprisonment and execution of many innocent people.

Despite the odds against her, Sarah refuses to give up. She continues to fight for her family's freedom, even as the situation grows increasingly dire. Along the way, she meets with Governor Phips, who is sympathetic to her cause but helpless to intervene.

Three Sovereigns for Sarah is a powerful drama that captures the fear and paranoia of the Salem Witch Trials. The show does an excellent job of portraying the complex relationships between the characters, and the tensions that arise as the trials progress. The cast is strong, with Vanessa Redgrave delivering a standout performance as Sarah Cloyce.

The show is also notable for its attention to historical accuracy. The costumes, sets, and props all feel authentic to the period, and the script is based on actual court transcripts and historical records. This attention to detail helps to immerse the viewer in the world of 17th century Salem, and gives the story a sense of weight and importance.

Overall, Three Sovereigns for Sarah is a gripping drama that explores a dark chapter in American history. It is a story of injustice and persecution, but also of resilience and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in history or drama, and is a powerful reminder of the dangers of prejudice and mass hysteria.

Three Sovereigns for Sarah is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 27, 1985 and on PBS