Camera help

I took a couple of pics last night (outside) of friends. It was very dark and I used the flash. All I got was a very bright circle in the middle of the pic and I could not even make out my subject.

Is there a way to take a pic in total darkness with the camera and have it render a fair pic at the very least?

This is concerning an iPhone 4 of course.

 

Well obvious to you maybe. When I use my point and shoot in darkness, the flash illuminates my subject and makes for a descent pic. I thought it was "obvious" the flash on my iPhone would do the same.