This film is a well-deserved indictment of the American legal system and the people that are hurt by it. Judges that allow actions of a defendant like Woods' character to put on a circus as a non-lawyer are disgraceful. He deserved the death penalty; end of story. His accomplice deserved life. The police force was remiss in not putting the survivor of this heinous crime on extended leave or desk duty. The film was tastefully done and everyone gives a fine performance, but the real star of the film is Wambaugh, who writes with such passion and insight, that you are commanded to pay attention to several details of this well-directed film. James Woods guaranteed his future in film as a result of this role. Franklyn Seales was not as fortunate as his partner in crime, but made a great performance as well. Mr. Savage does a fine job in his role, which garnered him several major roles afterward as well. Even Ted Danson acts well in this film. What a tragedy that our American justice system allowed 8 courtroom appearances to try to adjudicate one open and shut case. A travesty.
Review of The Onion Field
