The Cross and the Switchblade (1970)
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77% of users liked it
(802 ratings)
Based on a true story, David Wilkerson (Pat Boone) is the small-town preacher who gets caught in the shadows of a crime-ridden neighborhood in New York City. He encounters a gang led by Nicky Cruz (Erik Estrada), and David brings a message of hope to the angry youths. Guided by the street-wise… More Based on a true story, David Wilkerson (Pat Boone) is the small-town preacher who gets caught in the shadows of a crime-ridden neighborhood in New York City. He encounters a gang led by Nicky Cruz (Erik Estrada), and David brings a message of hope to the angry youths. Guided by the street-wise Little Bo (Jo-Ann Robinson), David quickly learns about the neighborhood and how to approach the cynical juveniles. This moralistic family film attempts to give hope to those who walk in the shadows of darkness. Despite the preachy nature of the plot, it is a well-done film and Pat Boone's character relates well to the targeted white, middle-class audience. Nicky Cruz would go on to become an ordained minister, preaching the gospel due to the initial efforts of David Wilkerson. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Directed By
- Don Murray
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jun 1, 1970 Wide
- Studio
- Gateway Films
Critic Reviews
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Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Tepid and boring. One of two movies during which I have ever walked out.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Pat Boone
as David Wilkerson
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Erik Estrada
as Nicky
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Jo Ann Robinson
as Little Bo
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Dino de Filippi
as Israel
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Don Blakely
as Abdullah
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Gil Frazier
as Big Cat
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Don Lamond
as Sgt. Delano
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Sam Capuano
as Mr. Gomez
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Alex Colon
as Mingo
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Hector Mercado
as Moonlight
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Stew Silver
as Augie
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Dorothy James
as Mrs. Gomez
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David Connell
as Pusher
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Michelle Galjour
as Angela
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Darrel Adleman
as Pawnbroker
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Jonelle Allen
as Bishop Deb
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Jackie Cronin
as Norma
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Jay Devlin
as District Attorney
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Laura Figueroa
as Mau Mau Deb
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Thomas Mooney
as Chance
- Vince O'Brien
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Jackelyn Giroux
as Rosa
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Victor Bumbalo
as Hugo
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Mark Dawson
as Policeman
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Tim Pelt
as Bishop
