A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story

Betty Broderick worked hard as a wife, and Mother, and got a raw deal when her husband of 16 years, Dan, left her for his young, pretty, secretary (Linda). He finally asked for a divorce, and this was the beginning of the end. A betrayed Betty went on the war path, and made Dan's life miserable, which led to her shooting and killing him, and his new bride, Linda. She worked hard for years supporting Dan when he was in law school, and raised their 4 children as well. Excellently portrayed by Meredith Baxter, this movie was fabulous. Part II, her Final Fury, the last chapter was also an excellent movie!

First off Meredith Baxter turns in a superb performance as Betty Broderick. She clearly was head and shoulders above all the others who had roles in this made for TV film. It is her and really her alone that makes this picture shine. Second, having lived in San Diego at the time this crime went down and watching it being literally beaten into the ground by the news media there I never thought I would find myself watching a movie in a theater or even on TV about this story. However I did and am glad I did. This was a good movie. Third, Yes Betty Broderick had a couple screws loose but I couldn't help myself feeling that Dan sort of got what he had coming to him.

Meredith Baxter gives a superb performance in this film and its sequel. She captures the cold narcissism of Betty Broderick and manages to play scenes of rage in a surprisingly subtle manner. For example, in the scene in which Betty trashes her ex-husband's house, Meredith approaches the destruction with great nonchalance, which is ultimately more frightening than if she had played it full-on. She taps into the smugness and sense of entitlement that were strong components of Betty Broderick's personality and allowed her to murder two people in cold blood.

Meredith Baxter(of FAMILY TIES fame) received a much deserved Emmy nomination for her rich, compelling portrayal of convicted murderess Betty Broderick who shot and killed her ex-husband(Stephen Collins) and his new bride(Michelle Johnson). Though the supporting cast is good(particularly Kelli Williams), this is Baxter's moment of triumph, effectively and completely sheading her nice TV sitcom mother image with a knock-out performance that makes this one of the most stylish and enjoyable TV movies ever, as well as one of the most frighteningly realistic. Be assured, even though she's playing a convicted killer, most of my sympathies rest with Baxter's character. She makes you feel her rage, and by the end of the film you can't help but feel that Betty was the true victim. This was such a big hit when it aired for the first time on network TV that it was followed by a sequel: HER FINAL FURY, with Baxter and most of the earlier film's supporting cast reprising their original roles.

I think she had every right to do what she did. Dan put her through hell and I think she was at a breaking point and didn't know what else to do. I give her credit for at least turning herself in. That took guts. Way to go Betty!!! My heart goes out to you!!!!!!!!