The Hoax (1972 film)

The Hoax is a 1972 American made-for-television drama film directed by Robert Michael Lewis. It aired on ABC as an ABC Movie of the Week. The film stars Bradford Dillman, James McEachin, and Robert Wagner.

The film revolves around a district attorney, Paul Ramsey (Dillman), who is determined to bring down a corrupt businessman, Frank X. Stenton (Wagner). Ramsey uses unorthodox and potentially unethical methods, including framing Stenton with the help of a reluctant informant, Otis Oliver (McEachin), a former employee of Stenton. The film explores themes of justice, corruption, and the moral compromises people make in pursuit of their goals.

While not critically acclaimed, The Hoax is remembered for its suspenseful storyline and exploration of complex ethical dilemmas. It's a relatively obscure television movie from the early 1970s and has not seen wide release on DVD or streaming platforms.