Without a Trace (1983) poster & wallpaper
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Kate Nelligan, Judd Hirsch, David Dukes, Stockard Channing, Jacqueline Brookes ... see more see more... , Keith McDermott , Kathleen Widdoes , Daniel Bryan Corkill , Cheryl Giannini , David Simon , William Duell , Joan McMonagle , Louise Stubbs , Caroline Aaron , Don Amendolia , Ellen Barber , Elaine Bromka , L. Scott Caldwell , Deborah Carlson , Jane Cecil , Frederick Coffin , Paul Collins , Sam Coppola , Tony Devon , Tom Dunn , Richmond Hoxie , Sara Lee Kessler , Thomas Kopache , Dan Lauria , Marcella Lowery , William H. Macy , Stephen Mendillo , Terry O'Quinn , Angela Pietropinto , Lee Sandman , Bob Scarantino , Martin Shakar , Bill Smitrovich , James Storm , Alan Weeks , Hattie Winston , Gracie Harrison , Lou Leccese , Roxanne Gregory , Sheila Coonan , Edmond Genest , Lynn Cohen , Charles Brown , Kenneth Cory , Joseph M. Costa , Luke Sickle , Theodore Sorel , Freda Foh Shen

Young divorced mother Kate Nelligan refuses to go into a panic when her six-year-old son disappears. She manages to maintain an even emotional keel even when detective Judd Hirsch unearths several clu... read more read more...es which point to sexual molestation. After several false leads, the truth is revealed. We won't divulge the ending, but we will note that we found it pretty hard to swallow-especially when compared to the actual case upon which Beth Gutcheson's novel and screenplay were based. Despite its cop-out denouement, Without a Trace deserves to take its place among such superior missing-children dramas as the made-for-TV Adam and Just Another Missing Kid. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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69% liked it

1,336 ratings

PG, 2 hr.

Directed by: Stanley R. Jaffe

Release Date: February 4, 1983

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DVD Release Date: March 22, 2005

Stats: 64 reviews

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Without a Trace (1983)
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Flixster Reviews (64)

  • ileo
    January 13, 2008
    ileo
    Intriguing.
  • zelda64
    October 11, 2010
    zelda64
    This film evokes a parent's worst nightmare! When young Alex(Bryan) suddenly disappears during school, mom Susan(Nelligan) has her heart travelling on the rollercoaster of emotions She seeks the help of detective Manetti (Hirsh) and finds that people do not understand,especially ... read moreher best friend(Channing).Her persistence, makes others tell her to "give up" the chase,but she feels the need to press "onward" in her goal.

    It is by a sheer hunch,that Manetti takes his son on a trip,and notes that a phone caller proves Alex is still alive.One would be relieved, that the ending comes with joy for Susan.Unfortunately,real cases prove that many who disappear do not manage to "make it' in our Society.This movie has great drama and suspense. The viewer cheers for Susan,in her success.Bravo to Hirsh and Nelligan on their amazing perfomances !
  • JaredsBaby
    September 17, 2008
    JaredsBaby
    Love this......all through the movie felt so sad for the little boy who was kidnapped......this is one of the ultimate tear jerkers, and one of my favorties
  • jeffman52001
    June 12, 2007
    jeffman52001
    A well scripted and well acted drama film about a woman who's son is kidnapped and with the help of a detective trying to find her son. Judd Hirsch and Kate Nelligan give outstanding performances in this 1983 classic film.
  • andreahamilton21
    May 11, 2007
    andreahamilton21
    This movie makes us realize that our children are our most price and possession than any material things we could ever ever own... I kept a box a kleenex near me every time I watched this movie.. Want to know where to get a copy for my library.

View All Without a Trace (1983) Reviews

Critic Reviews

David Nusair
July 6, 2005
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

...as the story progresses, the film becomes increasingly routine... Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 19, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Kate Nelligan's performance is as sharp and focused as a laser beam. Full Review

Nell Minow
April 30, 2004
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

Exceptionally strong performances take this above the level of the script.

Janet Maslin
August 30, 2004
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
August 12, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

January 26, 2006
Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

Jon Popick
October 16, 2001
Jon Popick, Planet Sick-Boy

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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