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Karlson continues revenge theme with "Framed"

TODD SOLLEY | Teague, Texas | 06/07/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Framed" (1975) was legendary film noir director Phil Karlson's first film after the gargantuan success of his 1973 biopic of Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser, "Walking Tall." In "Framed", Karlson continues the theme of revenge which has dominated his body of work since the early 1950's. His masterpieces include "Scandal Sheet" (1952), "Kansas City Confidential" (1953) and, of course, "The Phenix City Story" (1955). "Phenix City" is a fact based biopic, along the lines of "Walking Tall," about the murder of the Attorney General Elect of the State of Alabama. Long considered Karlson's greatest achievement, it was made prior to the sentencing of those involved in the Attorney General's murder, and greatly affected the outcome of their trial. "Framed," compares well to Karlson's best works. Karlson always worked on a limited budget. Like Samuel Fuller and Don Siegel, Karlson was a talented and resourceful filmmaker whose films are often more than they seem. On the surface, Karlson's films appear to be violent exploitation pieces. But, they are much more. Each of Karlson's efforts, particularly the ones mentioned here, are morality plays. Their protaganist is usually a morally just man who wanders too close to immorality, and pays a price. Gambling is often featured as the tempting vice in Karlson's films and "Framed" is no exception. Joe Don Baker (who shot to stardom with "Walking Tall" after several successful supporting roles, and who became the first actor to receive $1 million dollars for a television series - "Eischied") stars here as a small time gambler who owns a bar with his girlfriend, Connie Smith. Following a successful out of town game, Baker is robbed by an unknown assailant and then nearly killed (in one of the most graphic scenes in any Karlson film) by a crooked Deputy Sheriff responding to the scene. In self-defense, Baker kills the officer. Proving, once again, there is corruption at every level of the legal system, Baker is sent to prison by a corrupt District Attorney, a corrupt Judge and a corrupt lawyer. There's even corruption at a higher level that will ultimately be revealed. While in prison, Baker meets a powerful mob figure, and thereby sets in motion his revenge. Vigilante justice is often also a theme of director Karlson's. With or without a badge, Karlson's protagonists carry out true justice in spite of the law, while gaining revenge for themselves. They are ultimately heroes because they can be seen as protectors of the "little people" who are downtrodden by the corrupt hierarchy. "Framed" also contains another Karlson trademark: promotion of racial equality. Karlson's films contain some of the most powerfully accurate portraits of racial prejudice along with black characters who are thoughtful and intelligent. Brock Peters, a fine actor, is very good as a deputy who comes to Baker's aid. What other filmmaker, appealling to a largely white southern audience, well--yes, a predominately "redneck" audience--would have the courage to feature such characters in his films. An intelligent study of Karlson's body of work is long overdue, and "Framed" should be part of that study. Is is entertaining and has something to say about our society. It is expertly directed and the performances are above par. If you are looking for an exciting, action packed film with something extra, look no further than "Framed.""

In the tradition of Walking Tall...

Michael Diroma | East Coast, USA | 08/07/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Baker battles corruption yet again in this worthy follow-up to Walking Tall. All the elements for a classic 70's redneck revenge picture are here: corrupt cops, sicko henchmen, unlikely allies (including Gabe Dell and Brock Peters) and a long-suffering faithful girlfriend (Connie Van Dyke). Joe Don plays Lewis, a bar-owner and gambler who (wait for it) gets framed and is sent to the big house. Befriended by a mobster (John Marley!), Lewis gets enough info and ammo to go after those who took almost everything from him. The violence is brutal and the revenge is quite sweet.
This looks to be Karlson's last movie; if you've seen some of his earlier noirish epics (like Kansas City Confidential and Phenix City Story), you'll know what to expect. This is a GREAT unsung little film."

Great 70s Movie

Warren Bunn | Castaic, Ca United States | 10/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saw this in the theatre back in 75.Hard hitting crime movie about corrupt politicians.Baker gives an outstanding performance!"