La trahison se paie cash

Who knew that someone's hanging mashed-up ear could be so hypnotic. After "WALKING TALL", director (Phil Karlson), writer (Mort Brisken) and star actor would reunite again two years later for another beat 'em up, payback crime thriller "FRAMED". Stalwart star Joe Don Baker eases into the role before going on his dogged and calculative rampage. A Tennessee gambler who just happened to score big, later that night unwittingly kills a sheriff under unusual circumstances. His money disappears, it looks like the girlfriend stops caring and he has no choice but to take the plea deal. He spends four years in jail, before getting out on parole thanks to connections inside and returns to wreak havoc on those who framed him. The hard-nosed plot plays out in the same vein as "The Count of Monte Cristo" with pulp noir touches. The mystery of who's behind the corruption is no surprise for the viewer and it's never meant to be, but it's all about trying to unlock the truth of why the set-up. While it's not as action-packed, you do grit your teeth when it does come to blows by feeling the pain and enduring the sweat of some of these nasty encounters and ear splitting yelling. There are two memorable exchanges though that aren't violent, but it's the ballsy banter between Baker and H.B Haggerty that highly amuses. Then there's that train sequence.... wow! A great supporting ensemble cast and location shooting also add immensely to the hardy entertainment.

Rough, tough, gritty, I find here our good old Phil Karlson, his pure, authentic, genuine trademark, the same he gave us in the late forties and fifties, with the likes of KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL or 99 RIVER STREET. Here, Joe Don Baker replaces John Payne but who cares? Till the end of his career, Karlson remains faithful to his DNA, his trademark, his lines. Of course there were some lousy films which he was obliged to make, to pay his bills and fill up the fridge. This one could be seen as a modern western, announcing ROADHOUSE (89) in the atmosphere, and after all this is the WALKING TALL sequel. Karlson's last stand and not the weakest nor the smoothest one. Some sadistic moments which are quite surprising, regarding of the cool atmosphere, sometimes cheesy, like an oater. But those gritty, grue(awe)some torture of fist fight scenes !!!! Oh my God. RIP Phil. I recognized you here.

FRAMED is an exceptional action film. Unfortunately it is not well-known, which is odd considering that it was directed by the great Phil Karlson, who also directed the previous year's WALKING TALL, which was a major hit that launched star Joe Don Baker's acting career.

Baker stars as Ron, a bar owner with a passion for gambling at poker. He's also passionate about his gorgeous girlfriend Susan (Conny Van Dyke), who sings frequently for his bar patrons. Ron scores big at a high stakes poker game, but his thrills are short-lived when, during his drive home that night, he witnesses a seemingly victimless shoot-out. When he arrives home, a sheriff's deputy accosts him in his garage and tries to arrest him without citing any charges. Ron and the deputy duke it out (a disturbing and exceptionally well-staged fight scene), leading to Ron being charged and convicted, not for the altercation with the deputy but for supposedly killing someone in the shoot-out he witnessed. Before he knows it, he's in prison, where he befriends a jailed mob boss (John Marley) and concocts his revenge strategy for when he gets out. Upon his eventual release, he sets out on his investigation, looking to uncover the truth about his wrongful conviction and punish those responsible.

Director Karlson, who was mostly known for his many outstanding film noir efforts (e.g. KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL and THE PHENIX CITY STORY), directs this - his final film - with a tough, gritty edge. It's a neo-noir, to be sure, with a protagonist who is strong, intelligent and furious. Baker gives one of his finest performances, proving yet again that he could carry a film with his charisma, everyman qualities and undeniable acting skill. The movie's violence is graphic and hard-hitting, earning its R rating with ease, so fans of violent action cinema will likely derive much satisfaction from this one. If you gravitate toward movies of this type, you'll definitely want to seek out FRAMED.

"Framed" seems like it would be well received on the drive in circuit. You have a very sympathetic character, Joe Don Baker, framed and sent to prison, by at least a bunch of corrupt city officials. I could have done without a couple of boring lounge songs, but then you wouldn't get easy on the eyes, Connie Van Dyke. John Marley as an imprisoned mafia type adds considerably to what is already above average acting for an exploitation film. There are some nice car wrecks, including a train creaming a Chevy, and more than enough violence. Surprisingly there is no nudity, which seems inappropriate considering the intended audience. "Framed" is a good revenge flick, and is recommended. - MERK

I haven't seen either the original Walking Tall or the new one but I found this movie to be a great revenge type picture. It has a good lead up to the incident that leaves the protagonist to be framed, it then shows his suffering for that and moves on to payback. There are all sorts of great supporting actors that really looked the part. There is plenty of brutal violence that will have you cheering because it is the protagonist who is dishing it out. Look out for a Tarantinoesque scene. You'll know when you see it. I think Tarantino mentioned he liked the original Walking Tall somewhere so hes probably seen Framed too. I wouldn't watch this movie again but I would check out the director's work especially Walking Tall.