Badge of Betrayal

Released in 1997, this is about the best that can be done with a movie debuting on Lifetime and the limitations thereof (TV budget, formulaic parameters and so forth). It explores the "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" theme with the milieu of a police station in the rural Northwest.

I've heard it criticized that the abuse by the sheriff (well played by Harry Hamlin) is too overt to be believable, but I found it convincing for a movie that condenses a month of events into a mere 1 hour, 28 minutes. See "Deadfall" (2012) for an example of the same thing done unconvincingly.

Another criticism is that all the males in the story are bad or, at least, weak. Yet the mortgage banker is a good guy, as are a couple of the male deputies, it's just that they don't want to rock the boat and lose their livelihoods; or worse. They understand the power structure and understandably acquiesce; but some male characters are introduced in the last act that obviously don't acquiesce.

It was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia.

GRADE: B.

oh come on!! this movie is the old,"I'm a man, i can do whatever i want, women are weak" story.

basically, a female police officer comes into this town, unaware of what "really goes on". she doesnt realize what goes on until the end(: ) then finally, she tricks him and he feels like a dummy. but i havent said the best part. THE CREDITS!!!!!!!!!

This Film is Classic Hamlin - lots of lurking, lots of beating people (both men and women) and of course it takes place in the most dangerous of all the states - Wyoming. A must see for all you Hamlin lovers out there. Hamlin is a small town sheriff who gets what he wants when he wants it, until that is a big city cop played by Michelle Green moves into town. What ensues is a mysterious game of cat and mouse played by the overbearing, blue jean wearing, dart throwing Hamlin and his newest member of the force. In a plot full of twists turns and more than a few cases of sexual assault the mystery of the drug smuggling ring in Wyoming is finally solved. Simply a great watch with an ending worth lurking around for.

It seems that after a successful career as a handsome leading man, Harry Hamlin has turned to playing rotten characters. His role in "Badge of Betrayal" is no exception. As sheriff in a small Wyoming town, Hamlin runs the place, stealing evidence, denying Miranda rights, intimidating women, the whole gamut. He sets his sights on a new officer, Michele Greene, who mistakenly takes the job seriously and is offended by his sexual harassment. This leads to big problems for her, but she sticks with it because she has to. The real estate man who sold her a new house informs her that, thanks to the sheriff, there won't be any buyers for her place if she needs to move on. Nice guy. Eventually, she attempts to build a case against Hamlin with the help of an attorney. It's scary going.

Hamlin has a real panache for these evil roles. He's mean as dirt. Michele Greene is a perfect foil, delicate in looks but quietly feisty in attitude.

A believable and narcissistic performance as a local sheriff who runs his small Northwest town any way he wishes.

Michele Greene is also very believable, a deputy, struggling to survive as a single Mom, trying at first to retain her job.

Linda Doucett a former 80's actress who portrays Hamlin's sometime mistress, is not sympathetic, but delineates the environment which sometimes creates oppression, sexual harassment, enabling negative behavior and a hostile work environment.

Years ago, the harassment was tolerated and even accepted. Today it is illegal. This story in particular as it addresses these issues, and is noteworthy and timely. Recommended. 8/10.