Harrison Ford, celebrated for his role in the AppleTV+ series Shrinking and recently nominated for his first Emmy at age 83, returns to the spotlight as his Oscar-nominated film Witness becomes available for streaming on Paramount+ beginning September 1. This film marked Ford‘s first and only Academy Award nomination nearly forty years ago and is widely regarded as one of his best performances.
Origins and Production of Witness
Witness originated from a story idea by novelist Pamela Wallace, with the screenplay co-written by her husband, Earl W. Wallace, and William Kelley, who previously wrote a related Gunsmoke episode. Despite initial hesitation from studios about producing a story set in a rural environment, Harrison Ford’s interest in the script convinced Paramount Pictures to move forward with the project. Directed by Peter Weir, making his American film debut, the movie also featured early performances by actors Alexander Godunov and Viggo Mortensen, both portraying members of the Amish community.
Plot Summary: A Suspenseful Tale of Murder and Culture Clash
Witness tells the story of a young Amish boy, Samuel Lapp (Lukas Haas), who witnesses the murder of an undercover police officer at a Philadelphia train station. Detective John Book (Harrison Ford) takes Samuel in for questioning, where the boy identifies Lieutenant James McFee (Danny Glover) as the shooter. After McFee attacks Book, it becomes clear that corruption extends to Book’s own department. Book then seeks refuge with Samuel and his widowed mother, Rachel (Kelly McGillis), in their Amish community. While recovering and adapting to the peaceful but strict lifestyle, Book faces challenges gaining acceptance, particularly from Rachel’s father-in-law, Eli (Jan Rubeš). As Book and Rachel’s connection deepens, danger looms as McFee and his allies attempt to track them down.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy of Witness
The film was a sleeper hit, earning $117 million against a $12 million budget and securing a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Renowned critic Roger Ebert praised Ford’s work, stating he
had never given a better performance in a movie.
—Roger Ebert, Film Critic Witness received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Ford, and won for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.
Significance and Streaming Availability
Witness remains an important film in Harrison Ford’s career, showcasing his dramatic range and helping establish director Peter Weir’s presence in Hollywood. Its portrayal of Amish culture combined with gripping suspense continues to resonate with audiences. With its arrival on Paramount+ from September 1, both longtime fans and new viewers have the opportunity to experience this critically acclaimed film. This release also highlights Ford’s enduring appeal as he takes on diverse roles decades after the film’s initial release.
