LA cop Ian Campbell is killed in the onion fields outside of Bakersfield. But legal loopholes could keep his kidnappers Greg Powell and Jimmy Smith from receiving justice, and his partner Ka... Read allLA cop Ian Campbell is killed in the onion fields outside of Bakersfield. But legal loopholes could keep his kidnappers Greg Powell and Jimmy Smith from receiving justice, and his partner Karl Hettinger is haunted by survivor's guilt.LA cop Ian Campbell is killed in the onion fields outside of Bakersfield. But legal loopholes could keep his kidnappers Greg Powell and Jimmy Smith from receiving justice, and his partner Karl Hettinger is haunted by survivor's guilt.
- Awards
- 1 win & 3 nominations
- Helen Hettinger
- (as Diane Hull)
- Greg's Woman
- (as 'Beege Barkett')
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFranklyn Seales' screaming during the murder was unscripted.
- GoofsWhen Karl Hettinger is talking into the patrol car microphone, the microphone is turned around and he is actually talking into the back of it.
- Quotes
Det. Sgt. Pierce R. Brooks: Has your conscience ever bothered you? Like feeling - guilty?
Jimmy Smith: Mr. Brooks... I believe... I think that is something that rich white guys dreamed up to keep guys like me down. I honestly don't believe there is such a thing... such a feeling. Guilty? That's just something the Man says in court when your luck runs out.
With a plot that is direct and easy to follow, "The Onion Field" tells this story in a straightforward manner. There are almost no plot twists or turns. And the film has a breathtaking sense of authenticity. Indeed, the film's kidnapping scene takes place at the intersection of Carlos and Gower, the exact location where the real life kidnapping occurred.
The film's pacing is rather slow. Scenes tend to be lengthy, with emphasis on character development. The first half gives us a snapshot of the everyday lives, both of the cops and of the two thieves. It also describes the kidnapping incident that brought them together, and the ordeal on the deserted road. Much of the second half takes place in a courtroom setting, as we see how the criminal trial plays out. This second half of the film renders a scathing indictment of the American judicial process.
The film's cinematography is fine, if perhaps somewhat dark. The background music is low-key and appropriately ominous. Production design is adequate.
Based on Joseph Wambaugh's book, the screen story itself is the strength of the film. But the acting also is quite good. James Woods, Franklyn Seales, and Ted Danson are all convincing in their roles. John Savage gives a great performance too, despite his tendency to talk as if he's got marbles in his mouth.
Fact-based films have an inherent advantage over fictional films, in my opinion. And, "The Onion Field" is made with such authenticity, with such a sense of purpose and dedication, it easily makes my list of the best crime films of the 1970s.
- Lechuguilla
- Nov 1, 2006
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Mord im Zwiebelfeld
- Filming locations
- Carlos Avenue & N. Gower Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA(actual site of the officers' abduction)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $2,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $9,890,597
- Gross worldwide
- $9,890,597