

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.
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6.6/10
263 votes
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- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $12M
- Box office
- $40.7M
- Language
- English
- murder
- prosecutor
- newspaper reporter
- labor union
- legal thriller
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Behind the camera
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All optionsAvailability for India. Provided by JustWatch through the TMDB API.
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Release dates
United StatesUS
- PremierePGWashington, D.C.15 Nov 1981
- PremierePGLos Angeles, California17 Nov 1981
- Theatrical (limited)PG19 Nov 1981
- TheatricalPG18 Dec 1981
GermanyDE
- Theatrical125 Mar 1982
HungaryHU
- TheatricalKN18 Oct 1984
IrelandIE
- TheatricalPG28 May 1982
ItalyIT
- Theatrical5 Mar 1982
JapanJP
- TheatricalR18+20 Feb 1982
PortugalPT
- Theatrical4 Mar 1982
Frequently asked questions
Absence of Malice was released on 19 November 1981.
Audience reviews
1- P9/10
Peter McGinn
9/19/2020
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.…
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