Synopsis
English professor Susan Selky lives alone in a Brooklyn apartment with her young son, Alex. When Alex fails to return home from school one afternoon, a frantic Selky contacts the police. Detective Al Menetti, a father himself, takes an interest in the case that quickly turns into an obsession. As a devastated Selky struggles to come to terms with Alex's disappearance, Menetti steps out from behind the badge to continue investigating.
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Cast
- Kate NelliganSusan Selky
- Judd HirschAl Menetti
- David DukesGraham Selky
- Stockard ChanningJocelyn Norris
- Jacqueline BrookesMargaret Mayo
- Keith McDermottPhilippe
- Kathleen WiddoesMs. Hauser
- Danny CorkillAlex Selky
- Cheryl GianniniPat Menetti
- David SimonEugene Menetti
Recommendations
- 88
Miami Herald
This is a movie that didn't have to be well made --its emotional impact has been assured by the daily news. But Jaffe took care. He made a solid Hollywood movie of a story that is terribly sad. He plays the heartstrings like a virtuoso, and that's not always a bad thing. [07 Feb 1983, p.C6] - 75
The Associated Press
As producer of Goodbye Columbus and Kramer vs. Kramer, Stanley Jaffe has proved his understanding of human relationships. As a first-time director, he seems overly attentive to everyday detail. But he handles his actors with skill, evoking a beautifully sustained performance from Kate Nelligan as the mother who would not abandon hope. [07 Feb 1983] - 70
Newsweek
What makes Without a Trace important is the powerful, intelligent, seismic-sensitive performance of Kate Nelligan as Alex's mother. Nelligan literally creates the film's real theme -- the nightmare emotional world the victims of such crimes are plunged into. [07 Feb 1983, p.69] - 60
The New York Times
Taken on its own terms, Without a Trace is a reasonably well made film, and it's certainly slick enough to hold an audience's attention. But its own terms are very, very limited. - 50
Time Out
If Jaffe's previous production credits aren't sufficient warning that this is one for Sensitive Drama suckers, the opening shot's a giveaway. - 50
TV Guide Magazine
The story is told with uncharacteristic restraint and benefits from fine performances by Nelligan and Hirsch. - 50
Washington Post
Without a Trace provides little sustenance. It keeps serving up overprepared tidbits of torment when you'd prefer to get down to a main course. [04 Feb 1983, p.C4] - 50
Christian Science Monitor
A schematic, often contrived look at an important subject. [17 Feb 1983, p.19]
