---
title: "Absolution"
year: 1978
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/absolution-1978"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 77128
imdb_id: "tt0081975"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 95
community_rating: 6.5
vote_count: 51
content_rating: "R"
---

# Absolution (1978) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/absolution-1978

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Absolution is a 1978 British drama, thriller, and mystery film directed by Anthony Page and written by Anthony Shaffer. The story is set at a Catholic boys' school where a domineering disciplinarian named Father Goddard, played by Richard Burton, rules over his pupils with an iron hand. The plot centers on the complex relationship between the priest and his students, specifically a teenager named Benjamin Stanfield, portrayed by Dominic Guard. The narrative takes a dark turn when one of the students confesses to murder during a confession. This revelation deeply affects the dogmatic and repressed Father Goddard, whose faith is subsequently challenged. As the situation unfolds, the priest finds his life spiraling dangerously out of control while dealing with what is revealed to be a practical joke played by his student. The film, which has a runtime of one hour and thirty-five minutes, explores the psychological tension between the teacher and the boys under his supervision. The cast also includes David Bradley.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus, IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel | Hoopla, FlixHouse, Darkroom, Fawesome | Amazon Video |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV, Plex, Pluto TV | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | MGM Amazon Channel | Hoopla | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV, Plex | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Anthony Page
- **Networks / Studios**: Bulldog Productions (II)

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Richard Burton** as *Father Goddard*
- **Dominic Guard** as *Benjamin 'Benjie' Stanfield*
- **David Bradley** as *Arthur Dyson*
- **Billy Connolly** as *Blakey*
- **Andrew Keir** as *Headmaster*
- **Willoughby Gray** as *Brigadier Walsh*
- **Preston Lockwood** as *Father Hibbert*
- **James Ottaway** as *Father Matthews*
- **Brook Williams** as *Father Clarence*
- **Robin Soans** as *Father Henryson*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch Absolution online?
Absolution is currently available to watch or stream on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is Absolution worth watching?
Absolution holds a community rating of 6.5/10 based on 51 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, Thriller for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie Absolution and when was it released?
Absolution is a feature film with a runtime of 95 minutes. It was released in 1978. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed Absolution?
Absolution was directed by Anthony Page.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Absolution — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/77128)
- [Absolution (1978) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081975/fullcredits/)
- [Absolution (1978 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolution_(1978_film))
- [Absolution (1978) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/77128-absolution/cast)
- [Absolution (1978) Full Cast & Crew - Plex](https://watch.plex.tv/movie/absolution/credits)
- [Absolution Cast: Richard Burton, Dominic Guard, David Bradley](https://www.moviefone.com/movie/absolution/1040439/credits/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*