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Los Angeles, 1963: a true story. Ian and Karl are two police officers. One night, on patrol duty, they are kidnapped by two petty thieves who drive them deep into the country to leave them in an onion field. But Ian is shot and Karl escapes. The thieves are eventually arrested, tried and sentenced to death. A successful appeal grants them a retrial and for seven years, Karl is called repeatedly to the witness box: he becomes haunted by the nightmare of events that surrounded the onion field. Murder and mental anguish fill the lens of The Onion Field, a ruthless crime drama starring John Savage, James Woods and Franklyn Seales. Featuring a heavy, raw performance from James Woods (nominated for a Golden Globe), the supporting cast includes Ted Danson in his film debut, as well as Ronny Cox and Christopher Lloyd.
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The Onion Field (1979)
122 min
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.