The Onion Field (1979) Watch Online Trailer

Greg Powell, a disturbed ex-con, recruits Jimmy Youngblood (Smith) a petty thief, as partner in crime. Powell panics when they two of are pulled over by two cops for tail lights. Powell decides to kidnap the cops and Smith goes along with his crazy scheme. They drive out to a deserted onion field in Bakersfield, where one cop is killed and the other escapes. The film explores the consequences.



The Onion Field (1979)
Released: 24 Apr 1980
Runtime: 122 min
Rated: R
Director: Harold Becker
Writer(s): Joseph Wambaugh (book), Joseph Wambaugh (screenplay)
Actors: John Savage, James Woods, Franklyn Seales, Ted Danson
Awards: Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.
IMDB Ratings: 7.0



Plot: Greg Powell is a disturbed ex-con who recruits Jimmy Smith (aka Jimmy Youngblood), a petty thief, as his partner in crime. Powell panics one night when the two of them are pulled over by a pair of cops for broken brake-lights. Powell decides to kidnap the cops and Smith, as always, reluctantly goes along with Powell's crazy scheme. The group drives out to a deserted onion field in Bakersfield, California and one officer is shot while the other escapes. The remainder of the film explores the nature of the American justice system, as well as the devastating psychological effects of this event and the trial on the surviving officer.