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Absence of Malice

Play trailer Poster for Absence of Malice PG 1982 1h 56m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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82% Tomatometer 28 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
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 supposed crime was committed, but it involves an innocent party. When she 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.
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Absence of Malice

Critics Reviews

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Bob Thomas Associated Press 10/22/2018
Absence Of Malice is a well-acted, smoothly paced melodrama that suffers from an illogical premise. Go to Full Review Richard Schickel TIME Magazine 10/01/2008
Absence of Malice does not invalidate All the President's Men. But with entertainment values -- and a moral sense -- every bit as high as that film's, it observes that there is an underside to journalistic gallantry. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety 05/26/2008
A splendidly disturbing look at the power of sloppy reporting to inflict harm on the innocent. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Aug 17
3.5/4
An intelligent and emotionally charged drama. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 01/22/2023
3/4
...benefits from its atmospheric visuals and raft of compelling performances... Go to Full Review Larry Vitacco Philadelphia Gay News 05/27/2020
4/4
Director Pollack does a fine job at keeping this tense and emotionally charged story on the right track throughout. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Timothy K. @timklinemd Jan 6 Well acted. Intriguing story. See more Rich O Sep 29 Newman is as always a brilliant actor and Sydney Pollack does a superb job of directing. See more bob c Aug 13 Dated. But even then, the plot is not easy to follow. Paul N too old for the role and the sailing off into the sunset conclusion is a bit too cheesy. I watched it to the end, so it could not have been quite that bad. See more Mikey B May 16 Sally Field and Paul Newman are the heavyweights in this movie about journalistic responsibility. Melinda Dillion does an outstanding job. While the story is effective and draws you in, it lacks that something to put it at next level. See more Matthew P May 11 I've seen this a number of times - a solid drama about journalistic integrity and ethics given excellent performances by Paul Newman and Sally Field. See more CodyZamboni Z @CodyZamboni Feb 9 Solid movie about media, greed, and morals. As Paul Newman battles the feds, the DA, and a Florida newspaper reporter, Sally Field. Newman is very effective in an understated performance. Highlight of the movie is a great summation by Wilford Brimley, See more Read all reviews
Absence of Malice

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Cast & Crew

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Sydney Pollack

Director

Paul Newman

Gallagher

Sally Field

Megan

Bob Balaban

Rosen

Melinda Dillon

Teresa

Luther Adler

Malderone

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Absence of Malice

Absence of Malice (1981) Absence of Malice (1981) Absence of Malice (1981) View more photos

Movie Info

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 supposed crime was committed, but it involves an innocent party. When she 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 Pollack
Producer
Sydney Pollack
Screenwriter
Kurt Luedtke
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Mirage Enterprises, Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 18, 1982, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2010
Runtime
1h 56m
Sound Mix
Stereo
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