When the Bough Breaks Poster

When the Bough Breaks 1986

★ 5.54 votes100 min📅 1986-10-12

Directed by Waris Hussein, *When the Bough Breaks (1986)* is a gripping 1980s TV crime-drama thriller that dives into psychological tension and moral ambiguity.

Director: Waris Hussein

Cast

Ted Danson
Ted Danson
Alex
Richard Masur
Richard Masur
Milo
Rachel Ticotin
Rachel Ticotin
Raquel Santos
James Noble
James Noble
Dr. Warren Towle
Kim Miyori
Kim Miyori
Kim Hickle
Merritt Butrick
Merritt Butrick
Tim Kruger
David Huddleston
David Huddleston
Vicar McCaffrey
Charles Lane
Charles Lane
Van der Graaf
Scott Paulin
Scott Paulin
Rick
Deborah Harmon
Deborah Harmon
Lisa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *When the Bough Breaks* (1986) about?

*When the Bough Breaks* follows a Los Angeles psychiatrist who gets entangled in a high-stakes trial and a subsequent death that points to his involvement. When a young girl, the sole witness to her parents' murder, can't remember the killer's identity, the psychiatrist is drawn back into the investigation, uncovering chilling truths along the way.

Who directed *When the Bough Breaks*?

Waris Hussein directed the 1986 thriller, known for his work in both film and television.

Who stars in *When the Bough Breaks*?

The film features Ted Danson, Richard Masur, Rachel Ticotin, James Noble, and Kim Miyori in key roles.

Is *When the Bough Breaks* (1986) worth watching?

With its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and a plot that blends courtroom drama with psychological suspense, *When the Bough Breaks* is a solid pick for fans of 80s crime thrillers. While it may not be widely rated today, its unique premise and classic style make it a compelling watch for genre enthusiasts.

How long is *When the Bough Breaks*?

The movie runs for 100 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes.

About When the Bough Breaks (1986) — A 1980s Psychological Crime Thriller Unraveling Dark Secrets

Directed by Waris Hussein, *When the Bough Breaks (1986)* is a gripping 1980s TV crime-drama thriller that dives into psychological tension and moral ambiguity. The story follows a Los Angeles psychiatrist who testifies against a child molester, only to find the defendant dead in his office in an apparent suicide. Haunted by the incident, he retreats to the mountains, but a chilling twist pulls him back into the fray when a young girl, traumatized after witnessing her parents' murder, can't recall the killer's face. The film masterfully blends courtroom drama with a slow-burn mystery, as the psychiatrist and a determined detective race to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

Set against the stark backdrop of 1980s California, *When the Bough Breaks* explores themes of guilt, justice, and the fragility of memory. With a standout cast led by Ted Danson and Richard Masur, the movie delivers a tense, atmospheric narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The unsettling atmosphere and complex characters make it a standout in the thriller genre, perfect for fans of 80s crime dramas and psychological suspense.