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Cast
John Savage
as Karl Hettinger
James Woods
as Gregory Powell
Franklyn Seales
as Jimmy Smith
Ted Danson
as Ian Campbell
Ronny Cox
as Pierce Brooks
David Huffman
as District Attorney Phil Halpin
Christopher Lloyd
as Jailhouse Lawyer
Dianne Hull
as Helen Hettinger (as Diane Hull)
Priscilla Pointer
as Chrissie Campbell
Beege Barkette
as Greg's Woman
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1979
Runtime2h 02m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationR
GenresCrime, Drama
Votes123
DirectorHarold Becker
WritersJoseph Wambaugh
TypeFeature Film
Rating6.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsThe Onion Field
About The Onion Field
An LA police officer is murdered in the onion fields outside of Bakersfield. However, legal loopholes could keep his kidnappers from receiving justice, and his partner is haunted by overwhelming survivor's guilt.
Directed by Harold Becker, The Onion Field leans on a strong ensemble — John Savage, James Woods, Franklyn Seales — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about crime titles of 1979.
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