Absence of Malice (1981)

In the simmering heart of Miami, a cloud of mystery hangs over the disappearance, and presumed murder, of Joey Diaz, the president of the local longshoreman's union. Almost a year later, an unyielding Justice Department strike force, led by the relentless Elliot Rosen, is convinced that Michael Gallagher, a liquor wholesaler, is entangled in this complex web of crime. Despite his seemingly "clean" exterior, Gallagher’s inheritance of his father’s business, a notorious bootlegger who held sway over the Miami docks, fuels their suspicion. Caught in the midst of this labyrinthine intrigue is Megan Carter, a dedicated reporter for the Miami Standard, who has been tenaciously pursuing the Diaz story. Her personal ties to the strike force, through her ex-boyfriend and FBI agent Bob Waddell, plunge her deeper into the case. A seemingly innocent visit to Rosen’s office leads to an accidental discovery of the investigation on Gallagher. Rosen’s subtle machinations coax her into unwittingly becoming the conduit for leaking this information to the press. The resulting front-page story, though factually accurate, casts Gallagher in a sinister light without concrete evidence of his involvement in any crime, triggering a wave of public speculation. Gallagher's business is under threat, but he stubbornly refuses to reveal his unassailable alibi involving a devout Catholic, Teresa Peron, to protect their frail friendship. As Megan and Gallagher's paths collide, they find themselves drawn to each other amidst the growing turmoil. When the story's repercussions spiral out of control, leading to a heart-wrenching tragedy, Gallagher decides to regain command of his life. Megan, now romantically involved with Gallagher and part of the narrative she once reported, struggles to balance her roles as a girlfriend and a journalist. As Gallagher embarks on a quest to teach the FBI and the Federal Attorney a lesson, Megan is torn between her allegiance to the truth and the man she loves. The intensity of their situation promises a tense showdown, where secrets will be unveiled, loyalties tested, and the true meaning of Absence of Malice explored.

Absence of Malice is a drama movie featuring Sally Field.

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