The Burning Bed (1984 TV Movie) User Reviews

Excellent performance by Fawcett...serious message

[MarieGabrielle · 8/10 · 8 April 2009]

It is refreshing to watch an actress finally get the dramatic role she deserves, instead of just playing eye candy in banal films that are forgettable.

There is a true story here, and Paul LeMat portrays the abusive and manipulative husband. This film does not sugar-coat domestic violence, and the verbal, psychological and physical damage done to this woman is unconscionable.

The audience is also made aware of the in-laws, and their denial (well-portrayed by Grace Zabriskie, as Fawcett's mother-in-law.) The children as victims of this unstable environment are affecting and tragic.

Overall an excellent film one may want to view with a friend caught up in such a horrible situation. NO woman should ever tolerate this treatment from ANY man. Domestic violence is still an issue in our "civilized" society, unfortunately, and needs to be recognized. 8/10.

Powerful Story

[AngelHonesty · 7/10 · 16 December 2020]

Not the easiest film to digest, but knowing it's a true story makes it worth the watch. So many woman have gone through similar stories of abuse, this film hides nothing as it shows you the full extant of the abuse. It clearly shows the story of Francine Hughes, how the toxic relationship with her husband slowly turned her into a battered wife. The movie did a great job explaining the story of what happened and leaving you with a good eye opener at what it must be like for woman who are, or have been abused by their husbands. In those days the law refused to get involved, but even today, we have issues like this in our society. Farrah Fawceet did a great job acting out her role making you truly feel for her. The filming is older and fuzzy, but in no wise would I call this a lower budget movie. If this is the kind of film that interests you then defiantly worth the watch.

A Very Powerful Film

[LisaAsh2002 · 10 October 2004]

I have seen this movie many times and still it has an effect on me. I have read the book and I can say that the movie does stick closely to the book regarding the events in Francine's life. Of course, they can not fit 12 years of abuse into a 2 hour film and so there are many events that are not included in the movie. Also another major fact missing from the movie is the children. In real life Mickey and Francine had four children, in the movie, there is only three. Why I think that happened is on the night that Francine did kill Mickey, her third child (son Dana) was not at home and at a friend's house. When she drove to the police station, she only had three of the children in the car with her.

Francine's mother did herself suffer from violence (but not to the extent of Francine's abuse) Her mother didn't approve of the abuse but only that Francine had to at least try and live with it. Francine had literally no where to go. She had four children with Mickey and no matter where she went, he would found her. As someone pointed out, Mickey was the only man who abuse his wife in his family. There were three other brothers in the Hughes household and not one of them, hit their wife. In fact, Mickey's mother was a very strong women and his father didn't abuse his mother either. His family were always there to help Francine and they were the ones that she would go to during the early years. Towards the end, they were getting old themselves and couldn't handle Mickey's violence and told her, not to come running to them anymore. The mother did a complete turn around at the court case and said that Mickey never abused Francine at all.

Just to make the ending a bit more understanding. When Francine came home from school that day on 7th March 1977. She took the children to go shopping. When they came back from the shopping, that is when the abuse started. Mickey didn't like what Francine had brought and it started from that. He then was telling her that she would have to quit school and she wouldn't agree. He started to beat her and nearly strangled her. He made her burn her books. Francine went out to burn the books and when she came back into the house, he asked her again, are you going to quit school and she replied. No Mickey, I am still going. That is when all the abuse, really started. The children called the police. The police came and had a talk with Mickey. It was after they left and half an hour later when Francine and the kids were sitting to have dinner, that is when Mickey came back into the kitchen and started to beat Francine again. He then made her have sex with him. It was after all of that and when he finally went to sleep, that is when Francine lost it and burned the bed.

A must read book, to truly understand the movie but also saying that, the movie does stick to the book, as best as it could.

It had an impact on me

[staciarose20 · 7/10 · 28 November 2021]

I watched this at a very young age. Girls need to see this and be taught that possession is not love, abuse of any kind is not ok, and they're stronger than they know. Never let a man hit you, period. Some boys can never be men.

Chilling

[loving-sky · 10/10 · 5 January 2008]

When this movie first was on TV, my ex-husband came home from work and sarcastically asked, "What are you watching on TV?" I said there wasn't anything on.......I lied...I was watching it on and off.....but it frightened me so much on so many levels (one level was the husband in the movie treated his wife better than I had ever been treated)....I actually was living that abuse and had been for over 6 years...I believe it was because of this movie, that I was finally able to get out of that relationship. I can't say I got out that night, but it was only a matter of time before I did. It took me another 18 months to get out and away for good. It is on tonight in January 2008. I will watch again as a celebration that I am finally free of abusive relationships..and will never be treated that way again, ever!!

Fawcett is good, though maybe too tough and resilient to be convincing as a battered wife

[moonspinner55 · 7/10 · 12 March 2006]

Farrah Fawcett works very hard here at making herself willowy and one-dimensional--helpless, in other words--but one can sense right away she's a tough cookie. The deep growl in her voice, the ire in her manner when she gets angry. Portraying a battered wife in "The Burning Bed", Fawcett is holding herself back so we will more easily understand the plight of this abused woman with no resources, but it isn't always convincing (and I'm not sure who was responsible for talking Farrah into looking so drab--I'm sure there are lovely women who are victims of marital abuse). Nevertheless, this TV-film is a no-nonsense take on the subject and the flaws can be overlooked. The jazz score is incredible, the kids are very natural, Grace Zabriskie is perfectly hissable as Paul LeMat's mother. LeMat, playing Fawcett's drunken, explosive husband, is effective, but I still think a woman of Farrah's stature could have stood up to him. I believed her much more as the unbalanced child-killer of "Small Sacrifices" than I did her here.

Incredible performances and direction

[heatherthered · 9/10 · 12 January 2006]

This has to be the best TV Movie ever created. Directed by the same guy who directed Xanadu....[??? How's that possible? He also directed WALMART: the High Cost of Low Prices, too] His direction of The Burning Bed is superb, to say the least.

You really feel as though her fear and terror are your own through claustrophobic cinematography in the scenes where she's being attacked. The dignity the cast and director were able to conjure for this sad story is far better than television deserves. The violence she imparts upon her husband gives her no satisfaction for she is not a malicious or vengeful woman.

I believe this movie has inspired countless women to leave abusive relationships since the first day it aired and more so as time has passed. Through it's ability to reach such a wide audience and it's star power, the attention it drew to the issue of battered women could be considered nothing less than a milestone.

Worth A Watch

[JoelChamp85 · 7/10 · 30 March 2021]

A look into an abusive household and the people who know it's going on. It's hard to sympathize with people who continue going back to an abusive relationship and ignore the warning from friends or family, especially those who openly say "I prefer bad boys". I have great respect for those who don't stand for it. In this case it's a sweet woman who, ignoring warnings, plays into the hands of an abusive man. It always starts with small things, seeing how much they can get away with, and when the abused partner continues allowing themselves to be treated horribly the abuser keeps kicking it up a notch, and so on, until either side takes it too far.

Excellent Movie!

[BreanneB · 10/10 · 9 July 2005]

This was an excellent movie about what battering can do to the person that it is happening to. I commend Francine for what she did. That goes to show you if your nasty you will get a nasty taste of medicine at some point or another in your Lifetime. Not guilty by reason of temporary insanity is a reasonable defense and verdict to me in the right situation. It's very hard to live with someone who is violent. I'm not saying that it is okay to kill someone, because it most certainly is not. But when you're in that situation things can happen that you don't want to happen. Kudos to the cast, crew and filmmakers. Two Thumbs Way Up!

Update: I saw here as I was looking at other comments here the other day that someone wanted an update. I have a special people magazine with true crime stories in it and one about this case called, "Burning Down The House", is in it telling the basic facts. I have also read the book, and it said in the epilogue that Francine and her kids, after three years were doing very well and she was going to school to become a nurse. Her kids had no reports of problems either. Francine also helps out now informing people about the causes and effects of domestic violence.

A well directed and produced TVfilm.

[tdavidson-60822 · 7/10 · 3 April 2024]

I find myself watching a lot of movies since the pandemic(On Tubi) that are based off of a true stories. Most of them usually are pretty decent but this one is one of the better ones that I've seen. As a grown man, I found myself getting angry that this sweet, loving mother would continue to get battered by her piece of s-t husband for no good reasons whatsoever. I think I am being generous calling him a POS to be honest. The guy was scum of the earth material who really made you hate him, yet she still repeatedly gave him multiple chances to clean up his act. I even found myself upset at the in laws because they saw this battered woman in the flesh and they went on as if they didn't care much. That's my point. When you are watching something that you are getting emotionally invested into, you know you're watching a good movie. Good acting all around, good direction and well produced.

A Harrowing Journey Into The Reality Of Domestic Violence

[Noirdame79 · 10/10 · 27 January 2006]

This was one of the first TV movies to deal with the serious subject of domestic abuse, which is still an ongoing problem.

Farrah Fawcett proves that she is much more than a pretty face with sparkling white teeth as Francine Hughes, a young woman who falls for a slightly older high school dropout, Mickey (Paul Le Mat), but after she marries him, discovers that he has some major anger issues, and, finding herself trapped in a nightmare of horrible mistreatment, seeks help, but her family and in-laws (whose bizarre denial almost calls for straight-jackets), basically tell her to stay put. On top of this, social services seems all too willing to look the other way.

Francine tries to make the best of her situation, she finds herself drawn back to him, and even after she manages to obtain a divorce, Mickey is still able to insinuate himself into her life, insisting that they need to be a family. No matter how many times she leaves him, or attempts to escape, he is always right on her heels, and uses their children as leverage in order to coerce her into reconciling with him. Even when law enforcement intervenes, it does not deter him. Mickey blames his behavior on his drinking, inability to hold down a job, and on Francine, and, like many abusive spouses, does everything and anything he can to rob her of her independence and sense of self-worth. He feels threatened when she even looks at other men, wears revealing clothing, and attempts to further her education. When he is severely injured in an auto accident, he is not above manipulating the situation to his advantage. Finally, Francine snaps. She douses the bedroom with gasoline as he lies in a drunken sleep, and lights a match, fleeing in her automobile with her offspring.

It then must be determined if she committed premeditated murder, or if she was temporarily unhinged.

The jury's verdict is in favor of the defense, and as people file out of the courtroom, Francine cuddles her children around her . . . . . .

People who have not experienced domestic violence themselves or studied this crime may not be sympathetic or understanding toward what these victims experience. There is indeed a string of victims, not just the abused partner in question but also the children. Ignorant individuals sometimes blame or second-guess the victims, typical questions, "Why didn't she leave earlier?", "Why didn't she call the cops?", or, "Why does she keep going back to him?" This film should be aired frequently, and has recently been released on DVD. Kudos to the cast for their realistic and heartbreaking portrayals in this true life story. This is an ongoing and serious issue that still needs to be addressed. Recommended.

Fantastic but horrific representation of domestic violence

[moneal-2 · 31 August 2004]

You know, most people who have not lived through domestic violence may see this film as yet another "man beating his wife" story but I grew up with domestic violence. It is a painful and scary way to develop into a young woman. So I took this story very personally. I believed it to be very realistic and and shocking. A mother who condones the abuse is all too common on both sides of each character. It happens more often then most people think. Women have been taught for years to put up with their husbands demands and you will find that it is usually the mothers in these situations that ask their daughter or daughter in laws to be quiet about the beatings. Police officers, twenty years ago barely arrested the perpetrators. They let most men go back to their wives to punish them further. It was a vicious cycle until the late 80's when women officers became more common. Psychology classes on DV became mandatory for officers so they could understand the victim/perpretator situation and learn how to get the wife out.

I have read many comments about this film and yes, it is old, a little outdated and stark but the message is clear. The way they handled the situation with the children was amazing. All of that is all too common. Children witnessing violence. I would ask every viewer of this film to be more sensitive to this true story. Imagine being humiliated in front of your children, uneducated and trying to be the wife that society tells you be. Both men and woman should absorb this film and really think about how far we've come since the days of the "rule of thumb." Don't just say this is a chick flick and write it off as many have done. Even if you don't enjoy the wonderful performances, the truth of this film should rock you into some sort of reality.

Hard to watch but excellent for its budget and medium

[Solnichka · 10/10 · 11 March 2016]

This is a good film. The plot will bring in any viewer, save the man who actually does pound his wife, and it's too bad, because it's that type of man who would benefit most from the opening and closing scenes. The acting reinforces the story, a true account of a woman from Jackson, MI. Fawcett is good, better than she's ever been or ever will be, probably. LeMat is creepily frightening as a drunk, insecure lout. Two of the best performances are put in by Grace Zabriskie and James Callahan (true TV buffs will recognize him as the father from TV's Charles in Charge), as LeMat's clueless parents. You'll hate them both by the end of the film. This film has some scenes of intense domestic abuse and violence - be warned. But it's definitely worth watching and remembering.

Farrah Fawcett at her best playing a woman savagely battered by her husband for 13 years

[kcrehkopf · 10/10 · 15 December 2005]

I have seen this film dozens of times and consider it a remarkable powerful film. Farrah Fawcett is so easy to look at for hours on end, especially in these 70's housewife clothes. She is at her peak in this film and others of a similar nature, Small Sacrifices and Extremities. This is the best of the three, however. I am stunned each time I watch it at the truth of the story. There really are women and children who must endure this kind of brutality and abuse. Farrah is so good at showing Francine's slowly crumbling self-esteem and sanity. The other performances are top- notch. In particular, Grace Zabriskie seems to me as authentic as possible as a fiercely stubborn, family-centered overbearing mother in denial. The scene where the wife-beater's parents throw their bodies between those of their son and the arresting officers while moments earlier allowing the same son to attempt to kill his wife is mind-boggling. Well done. It makes me want to read the book now that I realize there is one!

Farrah should have got an Emmy!

[Sylviastel · 10/10 · 3 May 2006]

Farrah Fawcett might be a troubled person personally but don't take that into her acting ability. She is simply one of the most under-rated actresses in America today. She gets older, better, and more beautiful. This film proved that she can act beyond Charlie's Angels. In fact, she plays the lead character, a woman who becomes a victim in an abusive marriage with three children. Her story is tragic but not uncommon. We never really heard of the battered wife syndrome until this film debuted on television. If it was released in the cinemas instead, I bet Farrah would have earned an Academy Award nomination and maybe the Oscar for her performance. It's that good. She breathes life into that role. You feel sorry for a woman like her character. Even prison seems a welcome change from the horrors of an abusive marriage, there are excellent supporting performances by Richard Masur, Grace Zabriskie, and others who participated in this classic television film. Like I said, it could have won awards. Anyway, it aired on television and I think it proved Farrah's talent exists in her. She might be beautiful but she's talented and smart.

Better to be Judged by Six

[view_and_review · 9/10 · 19 July 2019]

In 1977 Francine Hughes (Farrah Fawcett) was arrested for burning her husband alive. Surely, she deserves to go to prison? Who could be so sadistic as to burn someone alive?

No. That's not the right question. A more appropriate question is: what could a husband do to drive his wife to burn him alive?

Francine met her husband Mickey Hughes (Paul LeMat) in 1963. He didn't exactly sweep her off her feet whereas he just badgered her to death. Of course, he had to have some endearing qualities for her to agree to marry him. It wasn't long though after she married him that he bared his fangs. The abuse came early and often. Then came the pattern of running away only to be reeled back in. It was a vicious game that began with promises and ended in worse and worse beatings.

As much as, or even more than the violence from Mickey, I was enraged by the complacency and acceptance of those around Francine. It seemed like a culture of accepting abuse. Her mother, her in-laws, and even the police--to a degree--tacitly approved of the abuse she suffered. It was like: if she wound up dead all you'd get from everyone was, "Well, Mickey just had a little drinking problem that's all. He was a good ol' boy that made a mistake."

One of the most angering lines of the movie was when Francine's mother said, "You have to take the bitter with the sweet," like all she had to deal with was him leaving his dirty underwear around the house. The bitter was her getting her face bashed in while the sweet was him maybe buying her a scarf. That is not a bitter I'd want to take.

Watching the same mini-movie within this movie play out over and over I was screaming, "Don't go back!!!!" I'm saying, "Forget the kids, forget his promises, forget his lousy parents that keep trying to guilt trip you! Save yourself!" And invariably she would go back to him telling herself whatever reason she had to in order for it to be acceptable.

I remember feeling the same rage while reading "I, Tina," the autobiography of Tina Turner. I was furious and I didn't know who I was most furious with: Ike or Tina. Ike for his abuse or Tina for constantly returning.

I'm a man and I'm learning more and more. The women that return feel compelled to do so.

"It's for the kids."

"I still love him."

"This time it'll be different."

"I have nowhere else to go."

"He'll find me."

Or, like in the case with Francine, she has pressure from her own family to return.

I'm training myself to understand these facets. I've always simply said, "just leave!" but it's not that simple. Francine finally realized that there was no real escape, especially with kids involved.

So, to answer the question at the beginning: who could be so sadistic as to burn someone alive.

The answer: a woman that's faced 14 years of face-altering abuse.

Wow! What a bad movie!

[hamiljo · 2/10 · 3 February 2001]

Ok, I don't want to sound like I am insensitive toward spousal abuse, just because I am a man, but this movie was the most unrealistic portrayal of a battered woman I have ever seen. This movie did in fact start the Lifetime Victim-of-the-week movie series, and I would not have been surprised to see Meredith Baxter-Birney in this movie. Just because this was one of the first movies about spousal abuse doesn't make it good. I was often left puzzled during the movie when Fawcett could not get the police to have her husband removed from her home, even though they were divorced and he did not live there. HELLO?! It's called trespassing! Paul Le Mat was also on probation when he hit a police officer. They said he would be going to jail for parole violation, but apparently they had to edit that part out for times sake. Also, she didn't even lock her door, so the Bastion of Hell, who just happens to live next door, can just walk right in and beat the crap out of her. Even more amazing is the fact that Fawcett's mother in the movie seems to excuse her son-in-law's beatings. Why? I can see his own mother defending him, but I would just love to see an abuse case where the victim's mother takes the side of the guy who is beating the holy hell out of her daughter. Also, the acting was not good at all. Paul Le Mat reached the apex of horrible acting in the scene where he burns Fawcett's school books. "Schoolin'! When you gonna stop this schoolin'?" WASN'T THE MOVIE SET IN MICHIGAN?!? Why are they talking like the are from Mississippi? But, I can't complain too much, because it just follows the same standard that most movies that are based on real life events do. Just do yourself a favor and don't watch this movie.

Fantastic!!!

[cleo117 · 16 December 2003]

As a child who grew up in an abusive home I remember watching this movie when I was about 7 or 8 and being able to identify with everything from the lack of family support (or acknowledgment that there was even something wrong) to the total disregard from law enforcement. This is an excellent film that displays the hell women have experienced (and are still continuing to experience) at the hands of abusive tyrants.

Francine Hughes is the personification of strength and may God bless her!!

Miss You Farrah

[lookwhosknocking · 10/10 · 19 September 2012]

This has to be the best TV Movie ever created. Directed by the same guy who directed Xanadu.... [??? How's that possible? He also directed WALMART: the High Cost of Low Prices, too] His direction of The Burning Bed is superb, to say the least.

You really feel as though her fear and terror are your own through claustrophobic cinematography in the scenes where she's being attacked. The dignity the cast and director were able to conjure for this sad story is far better than television deserves. The violence she imparts upon her husband gives her no satisfaction for she is not a malicious or vengeful woman.

I believe this movie has inspired countless women to leave abusive relationships since the first day it aired and more so as time has passed. Through it's ability to reach such a wide audience and it's star power, the attention it drew to the issue of battered women could be considered nothing less than a milestone.

Powerful and emotional

[The_Stuff_of_Dreams · 10/10 · 7 July 2009]

Tears welled in my eyes as I watched this movie. The cruelty of the husband, the terror of the children, and the strength of a victimized woman are captured flawlessly through the acting and the production. The movie draws viewers in and doesn't let go or loosen its grip. One truly is under the illusion that he or she is in Farrah Fawcett's character's shoes as he or she watches this movie. I completely forgot that Fawcett died so recently because her character was so alive. The movie is a well-executed and powerful whirlwind of emotions. A must-see masterpiece, not for the faint of heart, and not just because of the violent beatings.

What ever happened to Francine and her kids???

[sharynm2001 · 10/10 · 12 July 2006]

I loved the movie. I now want to read the book because I hear that it is much more detailed than the movie, of course. I was just wondering how Francine and her kids were doing since that People's magazine article in 1984. I read a little about her remarrying and the trouble her kids went through and she also. No wonder. Even though that no good Mickey was gone, there's no way you can erase 14 years of mental, physical, and emotional abuse clean. I was not surprised her life went spiraling downward. The woman, and her kids, needed continuing help in order to lead a somewhat normal life and, no doubt, she did not get it. I just wonder how she's doing today. I hope she's okay. That poor woman deserves a badge of honor or a purple heart for the war she fought for 14 years. God bless her.

terrific, wonderfully protrade

[ellenitura · 10/10 · 6 February 2002]

I'm not saying I agree with what she did, but you would have to be one of hundreds of thousands of women, who have been in her shoes to understand the scope of what she went through. The realistic way the whole thing came about on film was great. I frist saw the movie when it hit the t.v, and back then it wasn't easy to discuss this kind of thing. The Tracy Thurman story really put abused women and their abusers, on the road to getting something done about it. Back then it was hard for an abused woman to get the help she cried out for. a woman was considered a bad wife if she didn't do as her husband said. Hog Wash!! Them days, for the most part are long over with, and so long,I say.

A real mess of a movie

[Sinistar_8085 · 1/10 · 6 November 2007]

This movie has so many faults in it,I don't even know where to begin. The biggest fault is the overused "Abusive husband/abusive father" plot that many other types of media are guilty of(Days of our lives.."Enough"...many of the man-hating programming on Life/Womens' Entertainment Network,etc). A good way to keep teaching children the lie that all fathers are mean,cruel and abusive and that all mothers are good,kind and gentle. This movie meant to deliver a powerful message,but fell flat on its face while screwing facts up horribly.

The name" Mickey" for an abusive man? Could the writers not think of a name that doesn't sound like something you'd name a lovable dopey dog? That's like naming a gentle and very shy woman "Butch". Apparently,the writers were bored out of their skulls and decided to slap a random name on an abusive man.They might as well named the abusive man "Dizzy" or "Buster"8rolls eyes* There are a lot more sensible names out there,like "Evan",for example. But no. The writers decided to not use their heads and slap the name "Mickey" on the guy.

If you read the facts about abusive relationships on the internet,you'd find that women are the abusive aggressor in most domestic violence cases. Don't believe what people tell you about battered women;most of it isn't even true,from what I researched and found out. If you listen to these kinds of people,then you might as well believe people if they tell you that your nose will explode any second now.

Avoid movies like "Burning Bed" and "Enough",and go watch a REAL movie like " Born Free" or "Mommie Dearest".

Excellent

[kclynne18 · 15 August 2002]

I grew up in Dansville and was very familiar with what happened there with Francine and the Hughes house. As a teenager, I couldn't really comprehend the psychological damage that was being done to her on top of the domestic violence. As an adult, and as a wife and mother myself now, it's shattering to watch again. To watch and know that it didn't even seem to cause an eyelash to twitch to some of the people she confided in. They knew. They accepted. They complied. I cannot imagine all of the pain beyond the physical that this woman suffered during those horrific years of her life. I was glad to know that she moved far away from the toxicity she had found herself in and was able to restart and reclaim her life and the lives of her children.

As for the film, Farrah Fawcett is simply brilliant. The directing is of a caliber that literally makes you feel as though you're in Francine's shoes. Sure, it's been associated with starting the Lifetime Movie of the Week trend but it is a Gold Standard that they wish they could live up to.