Absence of Malice

"In America can a man be guilty until proven innocent?"

Dec 18 1981 PG 1h 56m
Drama, Romance, Thriller

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.

Plot

Mike Gallagher is a Miami liquor wholesaler whose deceased father was a local mobster. The FBI organized crime task force have no evidence that he's involved with the mob but decide to pressure him into perhaps revealing something - anything - about a murder they're sure was a mob hit. They let Megan Carter, a naive but well-meaning journalist, know he is being investigated and Gallagher's name is soon all over the newspaper. Gallagher has an iron-clad alibi for when the murder occurred but won't reveal it to protect his fragile friend Teresa. When Carter publishes her story, tragedy ensues. Needing to make amends, Carter tells Gallagher the source of the first story about him and he sets out to teach the FBI and the Federal Attorney a lesson.

Written by

Kurt Luedtke

Directed by

Sydney Pollack

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Columbia Pictures, Mirage Enterprises

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 3 Oscars. 3 wins & 8 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
15,809
Average Rating
6.9 out of 10
Metascore
64
Popularity
NA