didi-5 I note with interest that this was Americanised into a new TV version with Rob Lowe and Sam Neill, of all people, but I imagine it was a much watered down version of Lynda La Plante's original story.In 1992, a version clocking in at over three hours came to British screens (and a limited video release thereafter). The story centres around a con in police protection and the relationship and hold he has over the constable on his case. Casting Timothy Dalton as the con, Eddie Myers, was a masterstroke. He's an unhinged, devious, predatory man with dubious sexual leanings. He plays the role wonderfully, giving the character that raw edge while also making him likeable. David Morrissey, in one of his early roles, plays Sgt. Larry Jackson, who can almost be described as 'the prey'. His nervous energy in dealing both with the intensity of close proximity to Myers and his crumbling marriage to Sue (Annabelle Apsion) is well-portrayed.Penelope Cruz appeared too, as the mysterious Lola, while Timothy West (as the typical scruffy detective, Mac) and Trevor Cooper (as bumbling and impressionable DI Shrapnel) were memorable. The screenplay was based on a real character, albeit with significant artistic licence. It was clever, engrossing, and - for me - La Plante's best work for television.

Caitlin I've only seen this in the 'edited' DVD form. If this is indeed cut to bits like I've read, the original must have been fantastic. I thought that the performances of David Morrissey and Timothy Dalton were riveting.

nbrenner * * * WARNING -- POSSIBLE SPOILERS * * *Timothy Dalton plays a major criminal, captured by the British police, who is "grassing" (informing) on his confederates to avoid a long sentence. On one side of the action, he plays cat and mouse mindgames with his young, inexperienced police interrogator; on the other, his ex-gang is desperate to kill him before he spills too much. While the grittiness and police procedure are pluses, Dalton is much too glossy to play a criminal. His movie star good looks clash startlingly with the realistic, plain countenances of the cops (and the robbers!). Much of the middle of the movie is claustrophobic, taking place underground in one of the police safe cells. Worst of all, several major plot threads are left dangling at the "surprise" conclusion, including the fate of the chain-smoking chief inspector, and the total disappearance of the hovering bad-guy assassins. It looks almost as tho Lynda LaPlante's script was intended for a miniseries, and it was violently abbreviated to fit it into a feature film.2 1/2 stars out of 5.

JJ-45 It's a shame that A&E's pitifully-edited version of Framed is the only one most American audiences have seen; for it showcases one of Timothy Dalton's most striking performances. As Eddie Myers, Dalton is charming, frightening, slimy, and charismatic. Down to the last scene, you're never sure what he will do. Hopefully, the full PAL version translated to NTSC will eventually be available in the US. In the meantime, watch the A&E version (they replay it occasionally). It's better than nothing.