Absence of Malice
“In America can a man be guilty until proven innocent?”
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 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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Absence of Malice (1981) Original Trailer [HD]
Type: Trailer • Published 2023-05-14
Top Cast
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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
Arnie Ross
Eddie Frost
Barbara Keegan
News Staff
Barry Hober
News Staff
Phanie Napoli
Nickie
Shelley Spurlock
Sarah Wylie
Shawn McAllister
Hood
Joe Petrullo
Hood
William Kerwin
Walker
Release History & Theatrical Window
Washington, D.C.
Festival / Special Debut
November 19, 1981
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$12M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$40.7M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
3.39x
+$28.7M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sydney Pollack
- Screenplay & Story
- Kurt Luedtke
- Original Score
- Dave Grusin
- Original Title
- Absence of Malice
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Production Budget
- $12M
- Worldwide Gross
- $40.7M
- Production Studios
- Mirage Enterprises, Columbia Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sydney Pollack
Kurt Luedtke
Dave Grusin
Owen Roizman
Sheldon Kahn
Ronald L. Schwary, Sydney Pollack
Department Leadership Roster
Sydney Pollack
Director
Kurt Luedtke
Writer
Owen Roizman
Director of Photography
Sheldon Kahn
Editor
Sydney Pollack
Producer
Terence Marsh
Production Design
Dave Grusin
Original Music Composer
Bernie Pollack
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Absence of Malice.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Absence of Malice
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Absence of Malice about?
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.
Who directed Absence of Malice?
Absence of Malice was directed by Sydney Pollack.
Who stars in Absence of Malice?
The principal cast of Absence of Malice includes Sally Field, Paul Newman, Bob Balaban, Melinda Dillon, Luther Adler.
When was Absence of Malice released and how long is it?
Absence of Malice was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 1h 56m.
What was the box office and production budget of Absence of Malice?
Absence of Malice had a reported production budget of $12M and grossed $40.7M at the worldwide box office (3.39 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Absence of Malice?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Absence of Malice was composed by Dave Grusin.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Absence of Malice?
Absence of Malice holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).