A runaway truck without brakes that barrels down a mountain road and into a small town provides an exciting start to a film constructed on an intriguing premise. However, if only "Framed" had been able to maintain the initial momentum and build upon the underlying idea, a classic might have emerged. Handsome Glenn Ford of the thick dark eyebrows is behind the wheel of that truck, and, as Michael Lambert, he is quickly arrested and hauled into court, when his truck reaches a stop and he is discovered to have an expired drivers' license. Either dazed by the wild ride or congenitally naive, Ford fails to notice that the sultry blonde bar waitress, who bails him out, pays for his hotel room, and leaves him spending money, has an expensive coiffure, pricey dyed hair, and a chic wardrobe far beyond the means of someone living on tips. If he overlooked those clues, her cozy apartment and her casual job resignation should have tipped him off. However, the college-educated mining engineer is easily taken in by the obvious wiles of Paula Craig, played by Janis Carter in a role that cries out for a Barbara Stanwyck. Carter is as unconvincing in the part as is Ford's keen interest in her.
The screenplay by Ben Maddow, adapted from a story by Jack Patrick, reveals that Craig's obvious come-on masks intentions to enlist him as a fall guy for the plot she is hatching with boyfriend Barry Sullivan. The mix of dumb nice guy, evil seductress, money, sex, and murder have produced some classic films, but unfortunately "Framed" falls short. The mediocre production is nicely photographed in black and white by Burnett Guffey, but Richard Wallace's direction, after a great start, falters.
The film's disappointment, however, does not lay with star Glenn Ford. Always an affable, likable actor, Ford is engaging in the central role, even if his initial gullibility is hard to swallow. Seeking employment, Ford befriends a colorful local miner, Edgar Buchanan, who strikes pay dirt and offers him a job, which complicates the plans Carter and Sullivan have laid. Veteran character actor, Buchanan, is always fun, and he and Ford make the film worthwhile. However, the lines and situations are often trite, Sullivan is only passable in his role, and Carter is the big void at the film's center. If the audience can quickly see through Paula's character and grasp her intent during her first few moments on screen, the credibility of Ford's tough guy character unravels. While the skill, depth, and sex appeal of a Barbara Stanwyck would have elevated "Framed" several notches, even she may not have been able to make it a classic. However, for fans of Glenn Ford, the film is a must see.
The screenplay by Ben Maddow, adapted from a story by Jack Patrick, reveals that Craig's obvious come-on masks intentions to enlist him as a fall guy for the plot she is hatching with boyfriend Barry Sullivan. The mix of dumb nice guy, evil seductress, money, sex, and murder have produced some classic films, but unfortunately "Framed" falls short. The mediocre production is nicely photographed in black and white by Burnett Guffey, but Richard Wallace's direction, after a great start, falters.
The film's disappointment, however, does not lay with star Glenn Ford. Always an affable, likable actor, Ford is engaging in the central role, even if his initial gullibility is hard to swallow. Seeking employment, Ford befriends a colorful local miner, Edgar Buchanan, who strikes pay dirt and offers him a job, which complicates the plans Carter and Sullivan have laid. Veteran character actor, Buchanan, is always fun, and he and Ford make the film worthwhile. However, the lines and situations are often trite, Sullivan is only passable in his role, and Carter is the big void at the film's center. If the audience can quickly see through Paula's character and grasp her intent during her first few moments on screen, the credibility of Ford's tough guy character unravels. While the skill, depth, and sex appeal of a Barbara Stanwyck would have elevated "Framed" several notches, even she may not have been able to make it a classic. However, for fans of Glenn Ford, the film is a must see.