The Burning Bed (1984)

This controversial, 1984 made-for-television movie gave Farrah Fawcett her first true showcase as an actress. Playing an abused wife who kills her monstrous husband (Paul Le Mat), Fawcett demonstrates a facility with the moral ambiguities of the story, which concerns the painful but fascinating questions of where justice lies. Fine support from Richard Masur and Grace Zabriskie, and the assured direction is by Robert Greenwald (Xanadu. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Gripping and real

It isn't often that I stay up until midnight watching a movie on TV, but this movie had me hooked. It is so easy to wonder why a woman doesn't leave, yet watching Fawcett you understand the social pressures to stay, and the game that is continually played. An excellent movie, one that has no surprise ending just takes you through the journey that is almost visible from the start. Despite that you can't stop watching, it is filled with raw, human emotions. September 9, 2007

Landmark TV Movie - Harrowing

The Burning Bed is the true story of a woman who endures years of abuse mental and physical from her husband before finally snapping and killing him. The subject matter is still as relevant today as it was when it was released to much acclaim in 1984. In fact it should be essential viewing and therapy for any abusive person to see how they destroy lives.
The movie would not have worked without the powerful central performance of Farrah Fawcett who deservedly was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe. She is abley supported by Paul Le Mat as the abusive husband and Garce Zabriskie as the apathetic mother in law. Although Fawcett had already turned in good performances in the 1981 movie Murder in Texas and on stage in Extremeties,it was this landmark tv movie that finally brought her recognition as a serious actress. Its a harrowing subject unsensationally handled and brilliantly written and acted.
Plaudits to MGM for releasing it on DVD however given the importance of the film and its subject its unfortunate that there are no 'extras'
Worthwhile. June 28, 2007

AKA "How To Murder Your Husband And Get Away With It!"

This movie stars Farrah Force- It who plays a Professional Victim who stays with her physically and mentally abusive husband. Instead of going to a Women's Shelter or seeking help she stays with her husband and does a pretty good impression of a punching bag. Then one night after her husband has exercized his Conjugal Rights she sets fire to him and the bed. He is helpless to stop this as he is passed out intoxicated.It is very interesting that I have never heard of a guy who ever got acquitted from a Murder Charge by using the Defence that his wife beat him up. I give this movie 5 stars because I have no doubt that it will appeal to all of the man hating women of Alternate Sexual Persuasion out there. April 14, 2007

great movie

i haven't seen this movie since it first aired on television back in 1984. but it left a lasting impression on my mind. i know many wouldn't agree with what francine did, but you would truly have to put yourself in her shoes, not for a day but for the entire duration of her abuse and then say she had a choice, it was kill or be killed. if you don't believe that then think of the Simpson case. How many times did nicole brown call the police on him and nobody did anything.how many women are killed by their abusers? statistics are staggering. a woman is victimized every 6 seconds, those are reported cases only. i am not saying it is right but when backed into a corner you will fight back the only way you can. December 30, 2006

Buy this DVD

I have to agree with some of the other reviews, the movie doesn't cover half of the abuse she actually went through. I still think this is an excellent movie and I am glad that I watched it. I saw this movie a few years ago and read the book about a year ago. The book blew me away, there were several horrific parts that should have been added to the movie to really tell the true story, its shocking. The message still gets out there with the movie and gives you a small peak into what she went through. I reccomend watching this dvd and reading the book. July 26, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...