HD · HDR
Absence of Malice
Overlook Pick

Absence of Malice

In America can a man be guilty until proven innocent?
66
User Score252 ratings
TMDB 6.616+19811h 56mEnglish
DramaRomanceCrime

Synopsis

Megan Carter is a reporter duped into running an untrue story on Michael Gallagher, a suspected racketeer. He has an alibi for the time his crime was allegedly committed—but it involves an innocent party. When he tells Carter the truth and the newspaper runs it, tragedy follows, forcing Carter to face up to the responsibilities of her job when she is confronted by Gallagher.

Director
Sydney PollackFrom TMDB credits
Studio
Mirage Enterprises2 production companies
Release
November 19, 1981Released
Box Office
$41MBudget $12M

Top Cast

8 of 40
Sally Field
Sally Field
Megan Carter
Paul Newman
Paul Newman
Michael Colin Gallagher
Bob Balaban
Bob Balaban
Elliott Rosen
Melinda Dillon
Melinda Dillon
Teresa Perrone
Luther Adler
Luther Adler
Santos Malderone
Barry Primus
Barry Primus
Robert Waddell
Josef Sommer
Josef Sommer
McAdam
John Harkins
John Harkins
Davidek

Trailers & Photos

Reviews

From TMDB users
Peter McGinn
Sep 19, 2020

Sidney Pollack has directed a lot of excellent movies but Absence of Malice, one of his lower profile efforts, is my favorite Pollack film. Paul Newman is excellent, of course, and Sally Fields holds her own portraying a reporter who is both ambitious and caring. The supporting cast is also good, especially the late Wilford Brimley as the razor sharp tobacco chewing “aw shucks“ Officer of the court late in the movie. In a way, this is a thinking man’s revenge film, without the violence. The Paul Newman character attempts to use the ambition and the zeal of those who have targeted him against them. There are traces of humor to be found also, and pockets of romance. I have watched it a few times and probably will again.

More Like This

Browse all