Absence of Malice
1981, English. Directed by Sydney Pollack.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.6/10 from 265 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Absence of Malice
Absence of Malice isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Apple TV Store
Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Sydney PollackDirector
- Sally FieldMegan Carter
- Paul NewmanMichael Colin Gallagher
- Bob BalabanElliott Rosen
- Melinda DillonTeresa Perrone
- Luther AdlerSantos Malderone
- Barry PrimusRobert Waddell
- Josef SommerMcAdam
- John HarkinsDavidek
- Don HoodJames A. Quinn
- Wilford BrimleyJames J. Wells
- Arnie RossEddie Frost
- Barbara KeeganNews Staff
Details
- Released
- 19 November 1981
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Kurt Luedtke
- Budget
- $12M
- Box office
- $41M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Absence of Malice: quick answers
Is Absence of Malice worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.6/10 from 265 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Absence of Malice?
Absence of Malice runs 116 minutes (1h 56m).
Does Absence of Malice have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Absence of Malice. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Absence of Malice parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Absence of Malice is rated PG in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is Absence of Malice on?
Absence of Malice isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like Absence of Malice?
If you liked Absence of Malice, try Les Misérables, Fallen Angel, The Mask of Dimitrios.
Who directed Absence of Malice?
Absence of Malice (1981) was directed by Sydney Pollack and stars Sally Field, Paul Newman, Bob Balaban.