Framed (1947)

“You’ll get a big reward for this.”  22 July 2021

From the moment Paula Craig (Janis Carter) lays her eyes on newcomer Mike Lambert (Glenn Ford), she knows she’s found her mark and starts to work on him.  Lambert is smitten almost immediately.  But why does Craig need Lambert?  It might have something to do with $250,000 in a safe deposit box.

Framed is one of those films that deserves a wider audience.  Much like Double Indemnity, Framed features everything you could hope to find in a good, enjoyable film noir.  You have the sap, the femme fatale, a worthwhile McGuffin, plenty of backstabbing and double crossing, an incredibly engaging plot, and an ending where every character comes out damaged.  Ben Maddow’s screenplay is full of dark twists and turns that keep you guessing.  The direction here is near perfect.  Richard Wallace expertly brings the story to life.  Most of the acting is first rate.  Glenn Ford makes it all look so easy.  And I really enjoyed Barry Sullivan and Edgar Buchanan in their supporting roles.  Good stuff.

Having said all that, the film is not without its faults.  There are a couple of things I could list as weaknesses, but my main gripe is with the female lead, Janis Carter.  Reading reviews all over the internet, I see I may be alone in this, but Carter doesn’t work for me.  In fact, I thought her performance was pretty weak.  She never felt real or convincing. She always seemed like an actress playing a part.  I know they can’t all be Barbara Stanwyck or Ida Lupino, but Carter isn’t close.  

7/10