“Absence of Malice” quotes

(1981)
Movie Absence of Malice
Sydney Pollack directed this movie in 1981
Title Absence of Malice
Year 1981
Director Sydney Pollack
Genre Drama, Romance, Thriller
Plot – Miami, Florida. A young and enterprising journalist, Megan Carter, publishes an investigation about the death of a trade unionist, a certain Diaz. The police wants to clarify the situation but the agents don't know how to continue their searches. Detective Rosen calls the young journalist after leaving on her desk some documents about Michael Gallagher, a honest spirits wholesaler whose father was linked to the Mob. Carter doesn't miss the opportunity: she trusts the news and publishes an article in which she alludes to the possible connection of Gallagher to Diaz's death. Consequences come suddently. A Gallagher's friend, wanting to justify him, reveals Carter a very intimate affair, so the journalist cranks out a second article. Gallagher does everything to convince the journalist of his innocence. In the end he conquers Megan but everything is useless.
All actors – Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban, Melinda Dillon, Luther Adler, Barry Primus, Josef Sommer, John Harkins, Don Hood, Wilford Brimley, Arnie Ross, Phanie Napoli
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  • “You had a leak? You call what's goin' on around here a leak? Boy, the last time there was a leak like this, Noah built hisself a boat.”
    Wilford Brimley - Wells
    [Tag:problems]
  • “- James A. Wells, Assistant U.S. Attorney General: What'd you figure you'd do after government service, Elliott?
    - Elliott Rosen: I'm not quitting.
    - James A. Wells, Assistant U.S. Attorney General: You ain't no Presidential appointee, Elliott. One that hired you is me. You got thirty days.”

    Wilford Brimley - Wells
    Bob Balaban - Rosen
    [Tag:layoff]
  • “- Megan Carter: I am free every night this week but Friday.
    - Michael Colin Gallagher: How about Friday?
    - Megan Carter: Okay!”

    Sally Field - Megan
    Paul Newman - Gallagher
    [Tag:date]
  • “We can't have people go around leaking stuff for their own reasons. It ain't legal. And worse than that, by God it ain't right.”
    Wilford Brimley - Wells
    [Tag:legality, right]
  • “You know something? When you kill yourself, it's a homicide, so they do an autopsy. They'll get a knife. They start here. They're gonna split her open. Up here they use shears. Shears, for Christ's sake!”

    Paul Newman - Gallagher
    [Tag:death, suicide]
  • “- Megan Carter: You said you wanted me to know you fast. You're not interested?
    - Michael Colin Gallagher: Maybe I'd like to think it was my idea.
    - Megan Carter: I'd like that too. Gallagher, I'm 34 years old. I don't need courting.
    - Michael Colin Gallagher: I'm from the Stone Age. I guess I do.
    - Megan Carter: I'll send you a dozen roses.”

    Sally Field - Megan
    Paul Newman - Gallagher
    [Tag:flirting, habit]
  • “- James A. Wells, Assistant U.S. Attorney General: You're a smart man, Mr. Gallagher. I'm pretty smart myself. Don't get too smart.
    - Michael Colin Gallagher: Everybody in this room is smart, and everybody was just doing their job, and Teresa Perrone is dead. Who do I see about that?
    - James A. Wells, Assistant U.S. Attorney General: Ain't...” (continue)
    (continue reading)
    Wilford Brimley - Wells
    Paul Newman - Gallagher
  • “- Michael Colin Gallagher: Why aren't you married?
    - Megan Carter: How do you know I'm not?
    - Michael Colin Gallagher: I don't see a ring.
    - Megan Carter: Haven't you heard of women's lib?
    - Michael Colin Gallagher: Most of them are ugly.
    - Megan Carter: Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

    Paul Newman - Gallagher
    Sally Field - Megan
  • “- Michael Colin Gallagher: Waiter? Check.
    - Megan Carter: Oh, no, no, no. I'll pay. Unless you think that would make you impotent.
    - Michael Colin Gallagher: You got some mouth.”

    Paul Newman - Gallagher
    Sally Field - Megan
    [Tag:men, payment, women]
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