Absence of Malice (1981) on Netflix
PG19811h 56mDramaRomanceThriller
A federal prosecutor leaves a file where reporter Megan Carter can read it. She writes that liquor wholesaler Michael Gallagher is being investigated in the disappearance of a union official.
- Netflix3.6/5
- IMDb6.9/1016,779 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes82%
Trailer
Plot summary
Miami liquor wholesaler Michael Gallagher becomes a front-page story when the Miami Standard reports that he is under investigation in the disappearance of Joey Diaz, president of the local longshoremen's union. Reporter Megan Carter got the file from federal prosecutor Elliot Rosen, who left it on his desk for her. Rosen wants the inquiry leaked so Gallagher can be pressured for information. Gallagher confronts Carter, and she will not name her source. Union officials believe the story and shut down his business, while his uncle Malderone, a local crime boss, has him watched in case he goes to the government. Gallagher has an alibi for the weekend in question and says nothing about it.
Cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Absence of Malice (1981)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Paul Newman said the film was a "direct attack on the New York Post", which had earlier published a photo caption about him he said was inaccurate; because of the dispute the Post banned Newman from its pages, even removing his name from movies in the TV listings.
- Film Comment said it was "the first picture in ages that had Newman playing opposite a strong female co-star in a romantic vein", and that Columbia "astutely capitalized on public desire to see Newman in such a role again".
- Absence of Malice has been used in journalism and public administration courses to illustrate professional errors such as writing a story without seeking confirmation, and a reporter having a romantic relationship with a source.
