The Onion Field **** (1979, John Savage, James Woods, Franklyn Seales) – Classic Movie Review 9436

Director Harold Becker turns Joseph Wambaugh’s factually based novel about a kidnapped cop Karl Hettinger (John Savage), who witnesses his partner Ian Campbell (Ted Danson)’s murder, into a distinguished inquiry into the American judicial system.

Becker’s 1979 crime thriller The Onion Field is an intelligent and exciting film too, thanks to Wambaugh’s own script, powerhouse performances by Savage, as well as James Woods and Franklyn Seales as the killers, Gregory Powell and Jimmy Smith, plus Becker’s gritty documentary-style direction.

The Onion Field is tough stuff with strong language and much violence.

Also in the cast are Ronny Cox, David Huffman, Christopher Lloyd, Dianne Hull, Priscilla Pointer, Richard Herd, Richard Venture and Pat Corley.

The Onion Field is the first of a Becker trilogy, followed by Wambaugh’s The Black Marble and ending with Taps.

The Onion Field is directed by Harold Becker, runs 124 minutes, is made by Black Marble Productions, is released  by AVCO Embassy Pictures (1979) (US) and G.T.O. Films (1980) (UK), is written by Joseph Wambaugh, is shot by Charles Rosher, is produced by Walter Coblenz, is scored by Eumir Deodato, and is designed by Brian Eatwell.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9436

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