Framed is a 1975 movie directed by Phil Karlson.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A gambler is set up by crooked cops and forced to survive a jail term. When he is released, he gains vengeance.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Framed is a brutal, vicious and essential 70s revenge flick.
THE ACTORS
Joe Don Baker is a commanding and physical lead. His Ron Lewis is an inherently likable character – he’s tough yet affable, charming and occasionally cheesy. He pulls off the difficult trick of appearing both natural and incredibly dangerous.
The supporting cast features some interesting performances, including veteran actor John Marley as the Machiavellian, quick-witted Mafia boss Sal. Marley gets some juicy dialogue and hams up his exchanges with Baker and Gabriel Dell’s Vince. Dell’s tough guy character shifts into a comedic role as the movie progresses – his scenes are terrific but feel miscast within the story. Similarly, Conny Van Dyke’s Susan – Baker’s love interest and lounge singer – is somewhat disconnected from the movie’s pulse.
THE BEST – The Fights
The fight sequences are raw – you can feel the sloppiness and hurt when Baker engages with a crooked cop in his garage. Nothing’s smoothly choreographed here. There are scrapes, eye pokes and rough kicks before the fight ends with Baker crudely smashing his foe’s head into the cement.
THE BEST Part 2 – Yellow Teeth
I’m a sucker for the naturalism of 70s movies. In this case, Baker’s coffee and cigarette stained teeth jump from the screen.
THE BEST Part 3 – That One Scene
One of the roughest, most unforgiving scenes in 70s cinema occurs as Baker’s Lewis is essentially carjacked by the same thugs who threatened Susan. Detailing the action is a major spoiler – but the intensity and sudden impact of the scene is a show-stopper.
THE BEST Part 4 – Doubles
“Better make it a double” is uttered about two dozen times. You have to love the 70s.
THE BEST Part 5 – Sal
Marley’s Sal is a phenomenal archetypal character. He’s the Mafia don who essentially runs the prison. Marley’s character takes in Baker’s Lewis once he learns of his gambling skills. The relationship blossoms and eventually benefits Baker’s character. While not exactly a father-son type relationship, the slanted paternal advice Sal gives Lewis is priceless.
THE WORST – A Slow Burning Who Done It?
The movie loses steam once Baker’s Lewis begins investigating the conspiracy behind his imprisonment. You could easily lose a 15 minute chunk of these scenes and never notice – especially given the blistering action that follows.
THE WORST Part 2 – Vince
Vince goes from Sal’s gofer to a hired killer before morphing into a comic buddy. It’s an odd character. Dell is very good given these various characteristics and Vince is a weirdly likable character – however, the role doesn’t make much sense.
THE WORST Part 3 – The Senator’s Security
Baker’s Lewis identifies a Senator as a major part of the conspiracy and pays him a visit. Yet, he faces essentially no resistance in finding and threatening such a powerful figure. These plot holes drive me crazy.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
Framed is a terrific and vicious bit of 70s cinema. Baker is an excellent presence and the quirky supporting cast elevates the movie. If nothing else, check the movie out for some raw, brutal fight scenes.
