Farrah Fawcett 'Dancing in the Dark' brought disco to the Angels

June 25, 1:36 PMLA Dancing ExaminersIan Ono and Jana Monji :

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Most undercover spies end up doing the tango, but in the case of the original series, "Charlie's Angels," disco, a gigolo and a dance school were featured in the first season episode "Dancing in the Dark" with the late Farrah Fawcett as a dance instructor.

Originally broadcast on February 23, 1977 (episode 19), this also features Dennis Cole (who was married to Angel Jacyln Smith from 1978-1981) as the gigolo Tony. Jean Allison plays the victim of the gigolo, Laura Clusak, who was romanced only so Tony's accomplice could get incriminating photos.

Fawcett auditions to be a dance instructor in tight black pants and vest, flipping her famous mane. Cole is also in similar uniform, but with a white shirt. Tony and Jill do end up doing a short tango with Jill in a one shoulder long red dress.

Kelly poses as a private investigator who begins to work for the dance school owner, Alexander Cruz (John Van Dreelen). Sabrina (Kate Jackson) pretends to be a dowdy, but rich new dance school student.

Fawcett, due to her beauty, was often under-rated as an actress and this series didn't help, but if you want to see Fawcett dancing during her prime, check out this episode. They do play the standard "Dancing in the Dark," but the dancing you'll see isn't much.