This ludicrous Nineties-style take on Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic tale would have old Nathaniel spinning in his grave.

His story of guilt and redemption has become a glossy bodice-ripper entirely fashioned to the buxom charms of Demi Moore as the lusty 17th-century wife who defrocks the local priest, gets herself pregnant and is forced to wear a scarlet 'A' for adultery.

This solemn, foolish chest-beater sees Gary Oldman making an even bigger fool of himself than the leading lady, as the cleric who finds her irresistible.