We’ll Never Forget Farrah’s Smile

June 25, 2009 has marked the passing of Farrah Fawcett at age 62.

For a period of time in the 70s and 80s, Fawcett was one of the most beautiful women on the planet and captured the hearts of men worldwide as the adorable Jill Munroe on “Charlie’s Angels”

The poster of her in a red bathing suit from a 1976 issue of Life Magazine, remains an iconic one in pop culture lore.

Prior to her smash success as an “Angel,” she made her mark with small appearances in now classic television shows such as “McCloud,” “I Dream of Jeanie” and “The Six Million Dollar Man.”

“The Six Million Dollar Man” guest appearance also led to her brief marriage with its star, Lee Majors, whom she initially met in 1973.

Not even a superhero could resist her beautiful smile.

Then came “Charlie’s Angels,” the show that made her a household name, while and introducing America to her charm and grace.

However, she was aware that being an “Angel” led many to assume she did not posses enough skill as an actor. As a result, she left the show in hopes of being taken seriously in Hollywood.

That decision eventually paid off handsomely when she appeared in the 1984 made for television movie, “The Burning Bed.” In what many believe to arguably be Fawcett’s best dramatic work as an actress, she played a woman that is relentlessly beaten by her husband. Pushed to the breaking point, her character must fight for her life and the life of her two children.

Other noteworthy movie appearances included “Saturn 3,” “See you in the Morning,” “The Apostle” and Robert Altman’s ensemble picture, “Dr. T and the Women.”

However, it is two of her lesser known efforts that deserve recognition as well:

1) “Somebody Killed Her Husband” (1978)- To anyone that can find a copy of this movie, it is a rare treat. While shopping at Macy’s, Jenny Moore (Fawcett) meets a sales clerk that is excellently played by Jeff Bridges (“Against All Odds,” “See You in the Morning”). Soon, Moore’s husband is murdered and the two must solve the case.

What makes this a great treat is the authentic chemistry between Fawcett and Bridges. They keep the murder mystery afloat and even keep you interested in this unusual love story.

The other great factor in this film is that it is shot mostly in and around the department store on 34th street in Manhattan. That makes this one of the prime examples on using locations and making them work for the story.

2) “Extremities” (1986)- Her performance in here as Marjorie is equal to her riveting performance in “The Burning Bed.” This was a role she performed on stage allowing her to be fully in the mind set of the character when it became time to perform on screen.

Marjorie is brutally attacked and almost raped in a parking lot late one night. However, when she escapes, she leaves behind her purse with personal information.

Her attacker, played by the underrated James Russo, (“Dangerous Games,” “DaVinci’s War”) uses that information to pay her a surprise visit.

Russo marvelously captures the character making, him creepy and scary which makes the audience identify with Marjorie even more.

Then Russo changes his character to the weakling once Marjorie turns the tables on him and that makes the film a satisfying and thrilling experience.

This kind of diversity led to Fawcett’s huge fan base, one that will greatly miss her: including us here at Review Fix.