Premier Pops: Henry Mancini (Composer), Henry Mancini (Conductor, Performer), Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra (Orchestra). *video clips of the movie"Thorn Birds" The second most-watched mini-series (after Roots) of all time, The Thorn Birds was originally broadcast in 1983 and captivated viewers with its story of a lifelong conflict between the spirit and the flesh. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough, the production stars Richard Chamberlain as a Catholic priest named ...