The Cross and the Switchblade (1970)

Crusading minister gets involved in the lives of members of a New York street gang.

Director:

Don Murray

Writers:

Don Murray (screenplay), James Bonnet (screenplay),

Stars:

Pat Boone, Erik Estrada, Jacqueline Giroux

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Pat Boone	...	David Wilkerson
Erik Estrada	...	Nicky Cruz
Jacqueline Giroux	...	Rosa (as Jackie Giroux)
Jo-Ann Robinson	...	Little Bo
Dino DeFilippi	...	Israel
Don Blakely	...	Abdullah
Gil Frazier	...	Big Cat
Don Lamond	...	Sergeant Delano
Sam Capuano	...	Mr. Gomez
Alex Colon	...	Mingo
Héctor Mercado	...	Moonlight (as Hector Mercado)
Stew Silver	...	Augie
Dorothy James	...	Mrs. Gomez
David Connell	...	Pusher
Michelle Galjour	...	Angela

Storyline

Crusading minister gets involved in the lives of members of a New York street gang.

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Plot Keywords:

gang | mau mau | water balloon | trumpet | hubcap | 

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Taglines:

Now an explosive motion picture!

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

GP

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

June 1970 (USA)

Also Known As:

La cruz y el puñal

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gateway Productions, Responsible Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to an Erik Estrada biography published in 2004, the film is shown in roughly 500 youth centers every week.

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Goofs

The story takes place in the early-'50s, yet in one scene Big Cat references Medicaid, which wasn't established until 1965.

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Quotes

Rosa: I need a fix!

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Connections

Version of Run Baby Run (1998)

User Reviews

Uplifting and Inspiring!

Due to the fact this is a true story, these are real people, and this truly did happen, I believe it is a film every Christian needs to see. The acting was utterly heartfelt on the part of everyone, and is a storyline I will never be able to forget. David keeps on with the same message "Jesus loves you", even when he's threatened by thugs and hoodlums, it doesn't change his love for them and his desire to help them. There's no better love then what David Wilkerson shows for these young people, and he brings God's love right to their doorstep when no one else was willing to even try to breach the barrier. I know it may not be everyone's cup of tea, so if you don't like Christians movies, with a Christian message, and Christian actors, don't see it, but for those of you who desire to learn more about faith, the love of God, and where to turn to when things look blackest, then The Cross and the Switchblade is the movie for you.