MovieChat Forums > All in the Family (1971) Discussion > One of the scariest portrayals of a rapi...

One of the scariest portrayals of a rapist (Edith's 50th Birthday)

posted a year ago by VectorOfTheMoon (175)
4 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone else think this is one the scarier portrayals of a criminal and/or rapist in fiction?

He was extremely clever, resourceful, an opportunist, and used his good looks to hide his vile persona. Plus, it seems to be implied that he's done this kind of thing before. He was pretty much impossible to outsmart had it not been for a cake in the oven. And who's to say he wouldn't have shot and killed Edith after he was done with her?

The whole episode is sickening to watch. Especially in part 2 with Edith being traumatized during the aftermath, and then Gloria is like "you're not my mother anymore!" and gets slapped.

[–] [email protected] (5551) a year ago

Yes, it was a very frightening portrayal of a rapist. He seemed like a Ted Bundy type, good looking and a smooth talker.

I remember seeing that actor in subsequent roles and I had a hard time liking him. He was just so good at playing evil.

The second part is difficult to watch too. Gloria does yell at her mother but only because she knows Edith will continue to be a victim if she doesn't confront her fears. She scolds her for her own good, trying to bring her out of her shell.
If you remember, Gloria was assaulted in an earlier episode. She never filed any charges. The detective investigating her case told her how rough it would be for her on the witness stand. She tells Edith that she carried a lot of guilt by thinking that the man who attacked her had gone on to attack other women. And she did nothing to put him away.

[–] JosephQCat (706) a year ago

The actor in question got a lot of hate mail including death threats over that role. Did not enjoy playing such a person but most likely figured if he could help send a message such as being on the watch and protecting people then it accomplished something worthwhile.

[–] [email protected] (5551) a year ago

Makes you realize that it can be dangerous for an actor to play a bad guy!

Mark Harmon portrayed Ted Bundy in a TV movie. One of my sisters simply couldn't stand him for the longest time. She said that she wondered how Pam Dauber could marry him. She realized how silly that was. But some actors make such an indelible imprint that some fans confuse them with the role.

[–] kenburke (2308) a year ago

I like how she fought back!!!