A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story

We've all seen domestic violence in tv movies before, but it's taken to a higher level here. After the usual beatings, forgivings and promises to change, McKeon takes back Midkiff on several occassions. And it's not like she doesn't try to get away from him. She even moves from Florida to Connecticut, only to have him drive there and get a job close by just so he can menace her. The police, at least as they are portrayed, are slacker incompentents who cant be bothered it seems, to care about anyone. The more McKeon calls, the more they feel she's overreacting and being paranoid. But the truth of Midkiff's capability for psychotic rage comes out in a truly tragic and disturbing scene when he nearly stabs McKeon to death. And its not some sixty second blurb, it's a drawn out 15 minute barrage of insane dialogue, crying and screaming. Definitely not for the soft-hearted. But the most alarming thing that you'll see is the police lack of action as the attack takes place. You'll despise the lazy dumbbell cop who seems to have his mind elsewhere. The cast is excellent, with McKeon very sympathetic as Tracey, Weitz is great as her lawyer and the toughest one to praise, that being Midkiff. He's so powerful in the one scene that you dont want to give him accolades because he's so convincing as an attempted murderer. But after its all over you can reflect back and realize how strong he was. Only flaw for me was the 1950's, private eye, banging on the piano music score. Something a little more subdued was needed, but aside from that, this is a very rattling film experience.

I think Nancy McKeon was great in this movie. Also, the one scene where Buck nearly stabs Tracy to death and the cops hardly lift a finger to stop him just sickened me. The part that scared me to death more than anything was when he had the baby. To this day, I still thank God that the baby wasn't hurt. If I had gotten the call, I would drop everything and just get over there like a bat out of hell, and I also would've shot that crazy b***ard like the rabid dog he was. The way the cops handled this was a complete atrocity, and if I were the judge in this case, I'd sentence Buck to life in jail and have those cops pay all of Tracy's medical bills. I'm glad Tracy and her son are doing all right today, but what scares me the most is the possibility of Buck getting released, because the first thing he's gonna do is find Tracy and the kid and kill them both. If there's any justice at all, any shred of regard for human life, they won't release him.

What a great movie, excellently portrayed by Nancy McKeon and Dale Midkiff. While watching this movie, though , I experienced an unbelievable feeling of anxiety. I was in (and escaped from) an abusive marriage, and the character of Buck Thurman was so similar in every way to my ex that I found it extremely difficult to watch. Women who watch this movie, and have never experienced abuse can either pity women who are trapped (and they are literally trapped) in abusive relationships, or hate them and call them stupid for staying. I can only say that unless you have been in the situation, you will never comprehend the horror and trauma of it. It is ignorant to believe that women stay in abusive relationships because they are too stupid to get out. Their relationships don't start out abusive. Just try to imagine someone whom you love unconditionally and have decided to spend the rest of your life with evolving slowly, then dramatically into a mentally and physically abusive monster. You may be able to imagine that, but you will never be able to imagine having all self-respect beaten out of you, nor will you be able to imagine the feelings of fear, degradation, humility, and hopelessness. Those feelings, are why women stay.

I would like to comment on the person who wrote that. I don't think you watched the movie at all. Because if you did, you would have realized that she did try to get away from the man and get help but the police wouldn't help her. Thats what the whole movie is about. Also, if you have not been in that kind of situation, you need to shut your mouth, because believe it or not, it is harder to get away from someone like that than you think. I, personally have not been in that situation but my mother has so i have lived it. If you really love someone, its easy to believe they will change. you say, but how can you love someone like that. well, they don't start beating you right off hand, they wait till they know they've got you then start. thank you for your time

The movie is one of my favorite movies that come on Lifetime TV. I would love to see it over and over. I like movies about real life dramas. Please email me to let me know when it will be coming back on. I really want to see it. It made me realize how bad abused woman have it. Nancy Mckeon was great in the movie, just like always. I grew up on Nancy Mckeon from Facts of Life to the Division. She's a great actress. Please let me know when it's coming on............. Thank you, Nancy