Framed [DVD] [2008] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

"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."

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.

As tough a film noir specialist as he was in the 50's...Karlson ignored this part of his MOVIESELF in the early 60's in search of more mainstream success which eluded him. UNTIL WALKING TALL. That film is rough and pretty brutally violent too, but THIS PHIL's swan song is even more violent and even more resonant. The story which is film noir cookie cutter, becomes much more through Karlson's direction and the the screen play (again by Mort Briskin who wrote WALKING TALL) into an indictment of the entire criminal justice system, all politicians, the sadistic prisons, the twisted legal/political entwining which DOES INDEED make the justification the film patent. A late masterpiece from a sorely under-rated director who influenced QUENTIN TARANTINO (RESERVOIR DOGS...SEE THE "EAR SCENE" IN FRAMED w/ cast OUT-OF-CHARACTER PAUL MANTEE {Robinson Crusoe On Mars}) and probably every Italian director of crime thrillers at the time too. Great performances from ALL in this cast. Especially surprised to see WALTER BROOKE (the religious fanatic in WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE as a cowering and cowardly Senator under black mail by Baker's character). BUT former Dead End/East Side Kid GABRIEL DELL IS AMAZINGLY sardonic and terrifyingly cold hit man. Look also for Elvis "MEMPHIS MAFIA" bodyguard turned backstabber RED "Sonny" WEST as a prison guard. And ADD Brock Peters' helpful COP and John Marley's great prison MOB BOSS! WHATTA GREAT MOVIE!

Also try and watch HELL TO ETERNTY which is as serious and indictment of the Japanese Interment Camps and the war as exists. Phil Karlson was one underrated and ahead of his time director.

You don't have to believe in conspiracies to know that this could really happen. I've seen few movies more down and dirty than this one. Believing bar owner/gambler Ron Lewis (Baker) has witnessed something he shouldn't have, a corrupt politition sends him to prison and steals a big bag of his money for killing a police man/assassin who attacks him in his garage (a wild gruntin', snarlin', bloody brawl). When released, Lewis wastes no time with his one man vendetta as he plans his own personal war! Coinciding with his release from prison, the town sees a sharp rise in crime with a series of open and shut cases of self defense all having one thing in common, Ron Lewis. Unable to prove that the incidents are anything but self defense, we get some unexpected comedy in the police chief's frustration and his dwindling stable of thugs either dead or in the hospital trying for disability. The cops keep harrassing him, but along with some mafia help (John Marley) he seeks payback and is willing to kill everyone involved if he has to! Baker is out of control as he treats some sadistic rednecks to his own version of Guantanimo! You wouldn't want to be standing in the guy's bellbottoms that receives a special delivery from Baker's size twelves! Joe Don gives a brutal performance and tears up the screen with his charisma! A great film up there with the original walking tall. 16x9 picture and sound are above average

i have always thought this was the one of the best of joe don baker films. it is a great action film with a story of injustice and corruption how one man fights it. it also a story of camraderie and loyalty and friendship along the way. joe don exacts his revenge against the politcians who sent him to prison.he sees they get what they deserve. the quality of the dvd is excellent in both sound and picture. i highly recommend it for who like a story of revenge for those who think they can get away with whatever they choose.