"The Burning Cross" is a very, very low budget film from tiny Somerset Pictures. Because of this, I assumed it would be terrible. Imagine my surprise when I saw it and found it was very, very good. In fact, it dealt with the KKK in a manner much more direct and forthright than the few films about the Klan that were made by big studios...big studios that hedged their bets and de-emphasized race. Now it's hard to imagine talking about the Klan and de-emphasizing the racial aspect of it. Thiis is what happened in "The Black Legion" and "Storm Warning"...good films from Warner Brothers that tried to expose the Klan without talking much about their racism!!
After Johnny finishes his hitch with the army during WWII, he's burdened with PTSD (which is only alluded to) and a lack of direction in his life. He's also resentful and bitter...especially after he finds his old girlfriend engaged to someone else. So, he's easy prey for the Klan...and he soon joins. But soon Johnny sees how violent they are...and he witnesses a murder...and he wants out! But they won't let him quit...as once a member, always a member. What's next? See the film.
The acting is surprisingly good and the writing also excellent and exciting....none of which you'd expect with such a cheap production. It's never dull and is pretty brave for its day. I have no complaints about the quality of the film in any way...and recommend you give it a look, as it's an interesting time capsule about a horrible part of history.
After Johnny finishes his hitch with the army during WWII, he's burdened with PTSD (which is only alluded to) and a lack of direction in his life. He's also resentful and bitter...especially after he finds his old girlfriend engaged to someone else. So, he's easy prey for the Klan...and he soon joins. But soon Johnny sees how violent they are...and he witnesses a murder...and he wants out! But they won't let him quit...as once a member, always a member. What's next? See the film.
The acting is surprisingly good and the writing also excellent and exciting....none of which you'd expect with such a cheap production. It's never dull and is pretty brave for its day. I have no complaints about the quality of the film in any way...and recommend you give it a look, as it's an interesting time capsule about a horrible part of history.