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IMDbPro

Absence of Malice

  • 1981
  • PG
  • 1h 56m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
14K
YOUR RATING
Paul Newman and Sally Field in Absence of Malice (1981)
Home Video Trailer from Columbia Tristar
Play trailer2:03
2 Videos
50 Photos
DramaRomanceThriller

When a prosecutor leaks to a Miami reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of a union head, the man's life begins to unravel.When a prosecutor leaks to a Miami reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of a union head, the man's life begins to unravel.When a prosecutor leaks to a Miami reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of a union head, the man's life begins to unravel.

  • Director
    • Sydney Pollack
  • Writers
    • Kurt Luedtke
    • David Rayfiel
  • Stars
    • Paul Newman
    • Sally Field
    • Bob Balaban
  • See production, box office & company info
    • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    14K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Sydney Pollack
    • Writers
      • Kurt Luedtke
      • David Rayfiel
    • Stars
      • Paul Newman
      • Sally Field
      • Bob Balaban
    • 135User reviews
    • 23Critic reviews
    • 64Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 3 Oscars
      • 3 wins & 8 nominations total

    Videos2

    Absence of Malice
    Trailer 2:03
    Watch Absence of Malice
    Sneak Previews Season 4 Episode 12
    Video 29:51
    Watch Sneak Previews Season 4 Episode 12

    Photos50

    Wilford Brimley in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Paul Newman in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Paul Newman and Luther Adler in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Paul Newman in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Sally Field in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Melinda Dillon in Absence of Malice (1981)
    "Absebce Of Malice," Sally Field & Paul Newman.
    Paul Newman and Sally Field in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Paul Newman and Sally Field in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Paul Newman and Sally Field in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Paul Newman and Sally Field in Absence of Malice (1981)
    Paul Newman and Sally Field in Absence of Malice (1981)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Paul Newman
    Paul Newman
    • Michael Colin Gallagher
    Sally Field
    Sally Field
    • Megan Carter
    Bob Balaban
    Bob Balaban
    • Elliott Rosen
    Melinda Dillon
    Melinda Dillon
    • Teresa Perrone
    Luther Adler
    Luther Adler
    • Santos Malderone
    Barry Primus
    Barry Primus
    • Bob Waddell
    Josef Sommer
    Josef Sommer
    • McAdam
    John Harkins
    John Harkins
    • Davidek
    Don Hood
    Don Hood
    • District Attorney Quinn
    Wilford Brimley
    Wilford Brimley
    • James J. Wells
    Arnie Ross
    • Eddie Frost
    Phanie Napoli
    • Nickie
    • (as Anna Marie Napoles)
    Shelley Spurlock
    • Sarah Wylie
    Shawn McAllister
    Shawn McAllister
    • Hood 1
    Joe Petrullo
    • Hood 2
    William Kerwin
    William Kerwin
    • Walker - Standard's Photographer
    • (as Rooney Kerwin)
    Oswaldo Calvo
    • John
    Clardy Malugen
    • Donna
    • Director
      • Sydney Pollack
    • Writers
      • Kurt Luedtke
      • David Rayfiel(uncredited)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      According to Frank DiGiaomo, Paul Newman stated that this picture was a direct attack on the New York Post because it had published a caption with a photo of Newman, a caption that Newman stated was inaccurate. A row occurred, and the Post allegedly banned his name from appearing in the paper.
    • Goofs
      The union workers who struck Michael told him that if their union cards were pulled they would not be able to work anywhere. Florida is a right to work state and you don't need to have a union card to work. They would be considered "scabs" but they would be able to work at any dock in Miami.
    • Quotes

      James J. Wells: I tell you something, you're a smart fellow. Don't get too smart. I'm pretty smart myself.

      Michael Gallagher: Everybody in the room is smart. Everybody's just doing their job - and Teresa Perrone's dead. Who do I see about that?

      James J. Wells: Ain't nobody to see. I wish there was. You're excused now, sir.

    • Connections
      Featured in Sneak Previews: Pixote, Ragtime, Buddy Buddy, Absence of Malice (1981)

    User reviews135

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    9/10
    Compelling
    There's really no other word for it. I find the whole of this movie compelling, from Sally Fields' naivete to Paul Newman's innocent who turns the tables on his prosecutors, to the various supporting characters who all have their little niche. The best of all is Wilford Brimley, who gets to chew scenery and totally steal the scene he's in. It's an intelligent drama, addressing a subject as relevant today as it was in '81, with just enough humor to leaven the whole thing.
    helpful•50
    9
    • Gislef
    • Oct 20, 1998

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    FAQ6

    • What is 'Absence of Malice' about?
    • Is "Absence of Malice" based on a book?
    • What does the title "Absence of Malice" mean?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 18, 1981 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Die Sensationsreporterin
    • Filming locations
      • Coral Gables, Florida, USA
    • Production companies
      • Columbia Pictures
      • Mirage Enterprises
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $12,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $40,716,963
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $97,667
      • Nov 22, 1981
    • Gross worldwide
      • $40,716,963
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 56 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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