The Onion Field(1979)
“What happened in the onion field is true. But the real crime is what happened after.”
Overview
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.
Director
Harold Becker
Studio
Black Marble Productions
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
Richard Herd
as Beat Cop
Le Tari
as Emmanuel McFadden
Where to Watch
Availability may vary by region. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Movie Facts
Release Year
1979
Runtime
2h 2m
Language
English
Rating
6 / 10
Production Companies
Black Marble Productions • AVCO Embassy Pictures
You Might Also Like
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Onion Field?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for The Onion Field (1979).
What is The Onion Field about?▼
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.
Who directed The Onion Field?▼
The Onion Field was directed by Harold Becker and released in 1979. It is a crime, drama film.
How long is The Onion Field?▼
The Onion Field has a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes (122 minutes total).
Who stars in The Onion Field?▼
The cast of The Onion Field includes 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 and more.
Explore More by Genre
Need a recommendation?
Tell us your mood and we'll pick the perfect movie for you.