The Onion Field
“What happened in the onion field is true. But the real crime is what happened after.”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
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Imprint Blu-ray TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-06-16
Top Cast
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John Savage
Karl Hettinger
James Woods
Gregory Powell
Franklyn Seales
Jimmy Smith
Ted Danson
Ian Campbell
Ronny Cox
Pierce Brooks
David Huffman
District Attorney Phil Halpin
Christopher Lloyd
Jailhouse Lawyer
Dianne Hull
Helen Hettinger (as Diane Hull)
Priscilla Pointer
Chrissie Campbell
Beege Barkette
Greg's Woman
Richard Herd
Beat Cop
Le Tari
Emmanuel McFadden
Richard Venture
Glenn Bates
Lee Weaver
Billy
Pat Corley
Jimmy's Lawyer #2
K Callan
Mrs. Powell
Sandy McPeak
Mr. Powell
Lillian Randolph
Nana
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 9, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
July 16, 2002
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Harold Becker
- Screenplay & Story
- Joseph Wambaugh
- Original Score
- Eumir Deodato
- Original Title
- The Onion Field
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 2m
- Production Studios
- Black Marble Productions, AVCO Embassy Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Harold Becker
Joseph Wambaugh
Eumir Deodato
Charles Rosher Jr.
John W. Wheeler
Walter Coblenz
Department Leadership Roster
Harold Becker
Director
Joseph Wambaugh
Screenplay
Walter Coblenz
Producer
Eumir Deodato
Original Music Composer
John W. Wheeler
Editor
Brian Eatwell
Production Design
Charles Rosher Jr.
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Onion Field.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Onion Field
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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.
Who stars in The Onion Field?
The principal cast of The Onion Field includes John Savage, James Woods, Franklyn Seales, Ted Danson, Ronny Cox.
When was The Onion Field released and how long is it?
The Onion Field was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 2h 2m.
Who composed the musical score for The Onion Field?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Onion Field was composed by Eumir Deodato.
Is The Onion Field based on a book or true story?
The Onion Field is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Joseph Wambaugh".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Onion Field?
The Onion Field holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).