The Onion Field is a 1979 crime drama film directed by Harold Becker and based on the true story of a heinous crime that took place in California in 1963. The film stars John Savage as Officer Karl Hettinger, James Woods as Gregory Powell, and Ted Danson as his partner, Officer Ian Campbell.
The movie begins with the two police officers Hettinger and Campbell, who are on a routine traffic stop when they pull over Smith and Powell for a broken taillight. Powell pulls a gun on them and forces them to get into their car, where he drives them to an onion field located in a remote area outside Bakersfield.
Once in the field, Powell and Smith force the two officers to strip to their underwear and take turns raping Campbell while Hettinger is made to watch. After hours of torment, Powell decides they must kill the two officers to avoid being caught and grinding their skulls into the dirt with his boot.
Despite being shot in the head, Officer Karl Hettinger miraculously survives and is eventually able to identify Powell, resulting in his arrest, conviction, and death sentence.
The film explores the impact of the heinous crime on the survivors and the families affected, as well as the aftermath of the trial and sentencing of Powell. It highlights the difficulties faced by Hettinger in coping with the trauma of the incident and the lifelong impact it had on his mental health and relationships.
The Onion Field is a gripping crime drama that combines elements of suspense, tragedy, and social commentary. It is a poignant reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily and the devastating consequences that can result from senseless acts of violence.