Absence of Malice
In America can a man be guilty until proven innocent?
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.
Production
Production
Trailers & Videos
![Thumbnail for video: Absence of Malice (1981) Original Trailer [HD]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/bLeWVq7tQgQ/hqdefault.jpg "Thumbnail for video: Absence of Malice (1981) Original Trailer [HD]")
Absence of Malice (1981) Original Trailer [HD]
Larry Karaszewski on ABSENCE OF MALICE
Cast
Sally Field
Megan Carter
Paul Newman
Michael Colin Gallagher
Bob Balaban
Elliott Rosen
Melinda Dillon
Teresa Perrone
Luther Adler
Santos Malderone
Barry Primus
Robert Waddell
Josef Sommer
McAdam
John Harkins
Davidek
Don Hood
James A. Quinn
Wilford Brimley
James J. Wells
Barbara Keegan
News Staff
Shawn McAllister
Hood
William Kerwin
Walker
Jody Wilson
Raggedy Lady
Ted Bartsch
Beverage Manager
Jeff Gillen
Reporter
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Reviews
Peter McGinn
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.
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