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Burned at the Stake

Name: Burned at the Stake
Director: Bert I. Gordon
Released: 1981
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1981

Director

Bert I. Gordon

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Burned at the Stake follows traditional 1980s horror conventions, using a supernatural reincarnation plot to explore historical corruption. While the film offers a critique of religious authority and systemic injustice in 17th-century Salem, it does so through standard genre clichés. The narrative lacks depth in representing diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ identities. The story focuses primarily on a singular conflict between a female protagonist and a historical antagonist, limiting the scope of its social commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does Burned at the Stake have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. It focuses solely on the conflict between the protagonist and her historical adversary.

How does Burned at the Stake portray gender?

Fair

Loreen Graham is a key female character who fights against possession and corruption. She plays a significant role in driving the story, but the narrative mainly reacts to external forces.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Burned at the Stake?

Limited

The 1692 Salem setting suggests a historically uniform Anglo-Saxon environment. There is no indication of racial diversity or diverse casting within the period setting.

How does Burned at the Stake represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques 17th-century religious authority by showing a corrupt minister as a source of systemic oppression. This provides a moderate critique of traditional Western institutions.

Does Burned at the Stake include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the depiction of disabilities or mental health conditions within the story.

Present on Screen

Features a female protagonist who must take action to fight possession and confront corruption.
Provides a critique of historical religious authority and systemic oppression in 17th-century Salem.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful racial and ethnic diversity, staying rooted in a homogeneous historical setting.
Provides no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender narratives.
Does not address disability or neurodivergence within the character arcs.

Official Synopsis

In 1692 Salem, young Ann Putnam and Reverend Parris have accused more than 20 people of witchcraft and sent them to their deaths. After they accuse a five-year-old girl, her father's will to save her magically teleports him into modern-day Salem, where he searches for the reincarnation of Ann Putnam in order to save his daughter.

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