Tracey Thruman thought she could have the American dream of a husband and children when she married Buck. But that dream quickly turns into a nightmare when she discovers that Buck is a monster who physically abuses her at every turn. His acts of violence become more frequent and more brutal. When he batters her while she is pregnant, Tracey begins to fear that he might kill her. She turns to the police for help. But they ignore her pleas.

When Buck attacks her with a knife, a neighbour calls the police, but they respond slowly. By the time the police arrive, Tracey is beaten and stabbed and left to die. Tracey’s deepest fear has become a reality. Tracey is left paralysed from the brutal ordeal. During her recovery she is visited by a young lawyer who convinces her that her injuries are a direct result of the neglect of the local police. Consequently, she sues the police in a dramatic courtroom trial that ultimately changes the way the police react to domestic violence.

“Nancy McKeon and Bruce Weitz give compelling performances in this hard hitting movie that is based on a true story.”


Directed by
Robert Markowitz

Writing credits (WGA)
Beth Sullivan (written by)


Cast (in credits order)complete, awaiting verification
Nancy McKeon .... Tracey Thurman
Dale Midkiff .... Buck Thurman
Graham Jarvis .... Officer Danziger
Yvette Heyden .... Judy Bentley
Terri Hanauer .... Cheryl
Philip Baker Hall .... Judge Blumenfeld
David Wohl .... Nagel
David Ciminello .... Rick
Priscilla Pointer .... Tracey's Mother
Seth Isler .... Lewis
Burton Collins
Bruce Weitz .... Burton Weinstein
Paul Comi .... Officer Dempsey
Joe George .... Captain Kyker
Redman Gleeson .... Officer Bray
Alan Haufrect .... Officer Cooper (as Alan Haufrecht)
William Long Jr. .... Sergeant Cherney
Madison Mason .... Officer Jones
Raymond O'Keefe .... Sergeant Smith
Al Pugliese .... Sergeant Kangas
Charles David Richards .... Officer Davis (as Charles Richards)
Lee Ryan .... Officer Avery
Don Stark .... Officer Driscoll
Hank Stone .... Joe (as Hank Woessner)
Todd Bryant .... Card
J.G. Hertzler .... Doctor (as John Hertzler)
Stu Levin .... Jury Foreman
Andrew Magarian .... Bystander
Walter Addison .... Bailiff
David Wells .... Minister
David Hooks .... Judge #1
Richard Balin .... Judge #2
Barry Heller .... Trauma Team Doctor #1
Keith Stamler .... Trauma Team Doctor #2
Georganne Abbott .... Trauma Team Nurse #1
Susie Goodrich .... Trauma Team Nurse #2
Russ Tanaka .... Ambulance Attendant
Carl Haddon .... Ambulance Attendant
Steven Cullings .... C.J. Age 1
Scott Cullings .... C.J. Age 1
Eric Torres .... C.J. Age 2
Michael Torres .... C.J. Age 2
Sky Rumph .... C.J. Age 5
Kara Albright .... Crystal
Kimberly Albright .... Crystal


Also Known As:
Under the Law: The Tracey Thurman Story (USA) (working title)
Runtime: 91 min
Country: USA
Language: English
Color: Color (DeLuxe)
Certification: Iceland:16 / USA:PG