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MOVIE

Witness (1985)

Directed by Peter Weir•1h 52m•Published Feb 11, 2025•Episode length 3h 24m
Episode 265 - Witness (w/ Hermes Auslander)
CrimeDramaRomanceThriller

Top cast

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Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford
Det. Capt. John Book
Kelly McGillis
Kelly McGillis
Rachel Lapp
Josef Sommer
Josef Sommer
Chief Paul Schaeffer
Lukas Haas
Lukas Haas
Samuel Lapp
Jan Rubeš
Jan Rubeš
Eli Lapp
Alexander Godunov
Alexander Godunov
Daniel Hochleitner
Danny Glover
Danny Glover
McFee
Brent Jennings
Brent Jennings
Carter
Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone
Elaine
Angus MacInnes
Angus MacInnes
Fergie

Director

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Peter Weir
Peter Weir
Director
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Overview

While protecting an Amish boy – the sole witness to a brutal murder – and his mother, a detective is forced to seek refuge within their community when his own life comes under threat.

Show notes

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(Deep Dive begins at 33:05) "Some podcasts are proud and not plain" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Hermes Auslander (Megs, B-Tech Kev & Liam are off learning Pennsylvania Dutch) – as we head to the world of Amish country, undercover cops, and barn-raising in Witness (1985). We’re trading…

Read full show notes

(Deep Dive begins at 33:05)

"Some podcasts are proud and not plain" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Hermes Auslander (Megs, B-Tech Kev & Liam are off learning Pennsylvania Dutch) – as we head to the world of Amish country, undercover cops, and barn-raising in Witness (1985). We’re trading in our Smart Tech polo shirts for traditional Amish garb and diving into our 265th episode as we discuss:

  • How Harrison Ford’s performance showcases his range beyond Han Solo and Indiana Jones.
  • The film’s blend of crime thriller and romance – does it work?
  • In what ways was Harrison Ford the perfect actor for this role
  • Which one of us REALLY hated the 3rd act
  • Which actor was REALLY hated by one of us in this film
  • Was this movie ahead of its time, or does it feel dated in 2024?
  • Is John Book fair to Rachel in this film?  Is Rachel fair to John Book?
  • Is John Book a great protector or just dragging danger into the Amish community?
  • Why didn't 20th Century Fox want to make this film
  • Hermes and Felix continue their blood feud
  • Whether Witness is the Best Film Ever.

 

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We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:

Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
Hermes Auslander
James DeGuzman
Synthia
Shai Bergerfroind
Andy Dickson
Chris Pedersen
Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
Randal Silva
Nate The Great
Rev Bruce
Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
Richard
Ryan Kuketz
Dirk Diggler
Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
NorfolkDomus
John Humphrey's Right Foot
Timmy Tim Tim
Aashrey
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.

Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.