Farrah Fawcett’s ‘The Burning Bed’ brought domestic violence to the forefront

June 26, 10:49 AMTampa Crime ExaminerCharisse Van Horn

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Yesterday, famed actress, Farrah Fawcett died, losing her battle to anal cancer. Best known for her role as Jill Monroe on the hit television series, ‘Charlie’s Angels’, Farrah Fawcett was more than just another pretty face. She left the series created by Aaron Spelling to work on her film career. After appearing in Logan’s Run and The Cannonball Run, it seemed that Farrah Fawcett’s movie career was off to a slow start. Tabloids ran columns that Fawcett should have remained on Charlie’s Angels, the series that was creating a huge star in her place, Cheryl Ladd.

It wasn’t until Farrah Fawcett approached director Robert Greenwald about a project that she was set on making that her career took a serious turn. The Burning Bed was a film that focused on the true story of Francine Hughes. Previously published in a non-fiction book, “The Burning Bed” by Faith McNulty, the story details Hughes struggle for survival against an abusive husband. The abuse culminated on March 9, 1977 when Francine Hughes set fire to her husband’s bed while he was sleeping. She took her children, drove to the police station and gave a full confession. At trial, Hughes was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Francine Hughes case drew attention to the plight of domestic violence victims, but it wasn’t until Farrah Fawcett gave up her trademark bleached blonde, layered flip and all American girl beauty for bruises, welts, and a performance that left audiences gripped with raw emotion that the case truly became woven in the fabric of American culture. Farrah Fawcett is a pop icon, a pin up girl, and will always be remembered as one of the original Charlie’s Angels. However, she was driven to make the Burning Bed. Robert Greenwald states that Farrah wanted the film to appear as a documentary. When the film was finally aired it changed the way the nation viewed domestic violence. The plight of the battered woman was perfectly displayed by Farrah Fawcett, a task that shows Farrah had true insight on the realities that victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence face.

Farrah’s portrayal in The Burning Bed, brought light to the hidden factors that battered women aren’t only physically abused but emotionally abused as well. It was easy to understand that a woman might kill her husband during an argument, or as self defense during an argument, but the Burning Bed showcased the loss of self-esteem and emotional abuse that victims of domestic violence suffer. For the first time, on screen, it was clearly and accurately portrayed that victims of domestic violence possess scars much deeper than those that are easily hid by cosmetics. The inner scars aren’t easy to hide; they rob a woman of her self-worth and will destroy her if she never escapes.

The Burning Bed also drew light to another topic that wasn’t openly discussed in society: spousal rape. The movie depicts Farrah Fawcett setting her husband on fire after he raped her, a topic that many felt was taboo, or even impossible. Many at the time felt that if you were married, even separated, you could not be raped by your spouse. This misperception was tackled head on in the film. The movie truly liberated women nationwide, showing women of all classes, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds what the face of battered women looks like.

It was harrowing to see Farrah Fawcett, the beautiful pin up girl and Charlie’s Angel being thrashed around by her husband on screen. Not many women could accomplish an acting role as the one that Farrah played. The role earned her an Emmy nomination, and though she didn’t win, the impact she made in that film far surpasses the accolades the Emmy would have brought. The Burning Bed gave voice to victims of domestic abuse and violence. She became a champion and a true fighter for women’s rights with her portrayal. Farrah was a great actress who wasn’t afraid to take off her makeup and portray real life. It might be that the same qualities that enabled her in the Burning Bed are the same qualities that she brought to the surface in her final documentary, “Farrah’s Story.” Removing the makeup, the long flowy hair, and the luxuries of Hollywood, Farrah revealed the truth and realities of her fight with cancer. America mourns the loss of Farrah Fawcett, a beautiful actress who was never afraid to cast off her looks and beauty to expose the truth behind real life situations.

If you are in Tampa Bay and are suffering from domestic abuse and violence, there is help for you. The Spring of Tampa Bay has a 24 hour hotline. You may call it anytime day or night and speak with a counselor that will listen. The number to call is 1-813-247-SAFE.

The Spring

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Farrah Fawcett leaves a legacy