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Absence of Malice

Absence of Malice

In America can a man be guilty until proven innocent?

19816.61h 56m

Overview

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.

Directed by Sydney Pollack
Written by Kurt Luedtke
Produced by Sydney Pollack
Box OfficeBudget: $12.0MRevenue: $40.7M

Top Cast

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

Don Hood

Don Hood

James A. Quinn

Wilford Brimley

Wilford Brimley

James J. Wells

Themes & Keywords

murderprosecutornewspaper reporterlabor unionlegal thriller

About Absence of Malice

Absence of Malice is a drama, romance film released in 1981 exploring themes of murder, prosecutor, newspaper reporter, labor union, legal thriller. Directed by Sydney Pollack, it stars Sally Field, Paul Newman, Bob Balaban. 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.

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