The city is perfect for the working-class look the director is going for and contrasts the beautiful countryside perfectly.  Also, the city is very receptive to the shooting which occurs as Ford’s new Indiana Jones movie opens.  By J. Coplon

Some view the film as exploitation of innocent people while others are upset that the film will attract tourists.  The Mennonites have been in Lancaster for over 300 years and they shun modern conveniences, movies included.  By J. Coplon

The graphic depiction of violence in the 30^th Street Station bathroom is as vivid as Weir’s depiction of the Amish in Lancaster county.  The film features Ford and McGillis who have “one of the sexiest moments on screen in a long time.” By J. Coplon

The film's continued importance to the area is demonstrated. The summers events include a bus tour, a museum exhibit, as well as television commercials which promote tourism and include clips of the movie. The tour and exhibit show off elements of the film and filmmaking process as well as underscore the importance of Amish people to the region while educating visitors about their culture. By J. Coplon

Lancaster County will not likely see another spike in the local economy like the one that the film inspired 20 years ago. The film grossed 65.5 million domestic, reached number 2 in the box-office and garnered national attention for the area. The boom peaked in 1991 and has leveled off since. By J. Coplon

The 3-hour tour is running in coordination with a museum exhibit, in honor of the films 20^th anniversary. The tour is selling out frequently to tourists, demonstrating the economic as well as cultural significance of the film for the area.  By J. Coplon

The DVD’s extras include interviews with the cast, including Viggo Mortensen, who had a significant part in the film.  The one deleted scene was shot in Philadelphia.  By J. Coplon

The piece discusses several locals and their involvement in the making of the film as a lead up to the 20^th anniversary celebration. The article demonstrates the significance of the film for a place that isn’t used to the amenities as well as commotion that the Hollywood-type production brought.  By J. Coplon

Not a particularly flattering review; while the acting and directing is praised, the script is dismissed as predictable and trying to do too much. Ford is given credit in bringing Han Solo to the real world of Philadelphia, which as it turns out, is a pretty gruesome place compared to the more simple life of the Amish in Lancaster county.  By J. Coplon

Current and historical information on the Cannes International Film Festival, in particular with relation to American cinema. Two Philadelphian films, Witness and Birdy, take part in the 1985 Cannes International Film Festival.  By N. Dlugash

Janet E. Lorenz, “Witness”, Magill’s Cinema Annual, 1986

Plot synopsis, comparison between Amish culture and mainstream culture, list of reviews.  By N. Dlugash

Favorable review of screenplay’s juxtaposition of Amish and modern, urban culture, description of Amish life as depicted in Witness.  By N. Dlugash

Social and ethical implications of depicting Amish life, negative response by the Amish to Witness.  By N. Dlugash

Newsweek [microform]. [0028-9604 ] [Livingston, N.J., etc., Newsweek, inc., etc.]
Call#: Microfilm cont 388

Favorable review of director and actors.  By N. Dlugash

Two experts on Amish culture, Merle Good and John A. Hostetler, argue about the pros and cons of Weir’s depiction of the Amish.  By N. Dlugash

Comparison of two cultures, unsuccessful romantic subplot. Negative depiction of Philadelphia as “Hell on Earth”, used to contrast Amish countryside. By N. Dlugash

Favorable opinion of Philadelphia as a filming location, with quotations from producer Edward Feldman and location manager Mike Meehan. By N. Dlugash

Depiction of Amish farm life in Pennsylvania Dutch country.  By N. Dlugash