Burned at the Stake 1981
"What's Gotten Into Loreen?"
Directed by Bert I. Gordon, *Burned at the Stake (1981)* is a chilling horror-thriller that weaves historical witch trials with a haunting modern-day possession.
Director: Bert I. Gordon
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Burned at the Stake (1981) about?
*Burned at the Stake* follows Loreen Graham, a student in 1980 Salem who becomes entangled in a supernatural mystery after a wax figure from the 1692 witch trials comes to life. The figure, tied to a vengeful spirit named Ann Putnam, begins possessing Loreen, forcing her to confront a cycle of witchcraft accusations and executions. As the past collides with the present, Loreen must unravel the truth to break free from Ann's deadly grip.
Who directed Burned at the Stake?
The film was directed by Bert I. Gordon, a filmmaker known for blending horror with social commentary in mid-century cinema.
Who stars in Burned at the Stake?
The cast includes Susan Swift as Loreen Graham, Albert Salmi as a grieving father, Guy Stockwell, Tisha Sterling, and Beverly Ross in pivotal roles.
Is Burned at the Stake (1981) worth watching?
While *Burned at the Stake* leans into classic horror tropes rather than groundbreaking scares, its atmospheric tension and unique premise make it a cult favorite for fans of 80s supernatural thrillers. The film's connection to Salem's witch trials adds a historical layer that elevates it beyond typical possession horror. If you enjoy slow-burning, eerie narratives, it's worth a watch—just don't expect jump scares.
How long is Burned at the Stake?
The runtime for *Burned at the Stake* is 86 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Burned at the Stake (1981) — Salem's Witch Trials Haunt a Modern Possession Nightmare
Directed by Bert I. Gordon, *Burned at the Stake (1981)* is a chilling horror-thriller that weaves historical witch trials with a haunting modern-day possession. When Loreen Graham, a student visiting Salem's Witch Museum in 1980, encounters a wax figure from 1692 that comes to life, she uncovers a terrifying connection to Ann Putnam, a vindictive accuser in the infamous Salem witch trials. As Ann's vengeful spirit begins to possess Loreen, the line between past and present blurs, revealing a dark cycle of injustice and supernatural retribution. The film's eerie atmosphere, steeped in gothic dread and moral tension, explores themes of guilt, reincarnation, and the lingering shadows of history.
With Susan Swift delivering a standout performance as Loreen, and Albert Salmi adding gravitas as the tormented father of a witch trial victim, *Burned at the Stake* delivers a slow-burning, atmospheric horror experience. Gordon's direction leans into the supernatural, using Salem's colonial past as a backdrop for a modern-day nightmare where the past refuses to stay buried.