When a prosecutor leaks to a Miami reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of a union head, the man's life begins to unravel.When a prosecutor leaks to a Miami reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of a union head, the man's life begins to unravel.When a prosecutor leaks to a Miami reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of a union head, the man's life begins to unravel.
- Nominated for 3 Oscars
- 3 wins & 8 nominations total
- Nickie
- (as Anna Marie Napoles)
- Walker - Standard's Photographer
- (as Rooney Kerwin)
- Director
- Writers
- Kurt Luedtke
- David Rayfiel(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to Frank DiGiaomo, Paul Newman stated that this picture was a direct attack on the New York Post because it had published a caption with a photo of Newman, a caption that Newman stated was inaccurate. A row occurred, and the Post allegedly banned his name from appearing in the paper.
- GoofsThe union workers who struck told Michael that if their union cards were pulled, they would not be able to work anywhere. Florida is a right to work state and a union card is not needed to work. They would be considered "scabs", but they would be able to work at any dock in Miami. (At the time though, and possibly still, it's very unlikely that a non-union member would last long as a dock worker.)
- Quotes
James J. Wells: I tell you something, you're a smart fellow. Don't get too smart. I'm pretty smart myself.
Michael Gallagher: Everybody in the room is smart. Everybody's just doing their job - and Teresa Perrone's dead. Who do I see about that?
James J. Wells: Ain't nobody to see. I wish there was. You're excused now, sir.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Sneak Previews: Pixote, Ragtime, Buddy Buddy, Absence of Malice (1981)
Sally Field is an ethically-challenged reporter. With the help of an even more unscrupulous federal investigator, played by Bob Balaban, she writes a story that implicates Michael Gallagher (Paul Newman) in the disappearance & presumed murder of a union boss. Gallagher is on the radar because his uncle is a mobster. The film employs a procedural narrative that delivers little dramatic tension. The severest act happens off screen. The characters feel slightly underwritten. The exception is Melinda Dillon's poignant portrayal of Teresa Perrone, Gallagher's best friend, who occupies the moral epicenter.
While everyone else is playing a game of extreme cynicism, not uncommon in journalism and politics, Teresa feels most acutely. I liked the straight-forward approach and lack of style. Of course, director Sydney Pollack was never known as a stylist. I'm not saying this in the pejorative. I enjoy Pollack's work. Wilford Brimley makes a needed, late appearance to munch down on some scenery.
It does have the distinct feel of a film made to make a go for the Oscars, with Paul Newman making repeated failed runs at the Best Actor prize at this point in his career. Still Newman in the lead gave gave a film at that time the same amount of heft that Tom Hanks in the lead gives a film today.
- AlsExGal
- Jan 29, 2023
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $12,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $40,716,963
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $97,667
- Nov 22, 1981
- Gross worldwide
- $40,716,963