The Cross and the Switchblade

This is a Christian classic that has been transferred very well from the original 35mm negative to DVD. I recall seeing this movie as an adolescent when it first came out and can tell you that it made a huge impression on me. There is no sense comparing the technical production and general aesthetics of this film against the full budget films from that era. The big budget affairs are well known for their excessive resources and effects. "The Cross and the Switchblade" does compare very favorably with the revered cult classics of the day however.There is probably a bit of nostalgic prejudice clouding my judgment but I do not think that this film could have been improved upon in any way when you take into account its intended purpose. A bigger budget would have allowed for more exciting special effects, visually stimulating scenery, and probably would have garnered "The Cross and the Switchblade" more technical praise. As a result of not having the extra budget, the characters and story line become more of a focal point making it a more intimate viewing experience.As for the special bonus features, they are a worthwhile addition to the DVD product:* Interview with Don Murray (Writer/Director) 20 minutesThis is a typical interview offering interesting insights into the behind the scenes events. Of particular note is the story of how gang members were actually recruited to play roles in the film which gave it a true sense of authenticity but also introduced special dangers to the project and to the crew. These gang members really hated each other and had to be managed carefully. Another interesting story touches on how a 21 year old African American girl won a part in the film that was originally written for a teenage Caucasian male: Bo.* Interview with Associate Director Ken Curtis 20 minutesThis interview focuses on general facts and figures (i.e. setting box office records upon release in 40 cities; translated into 30 languages; etc). The discussion about the films origins and the financial challenges it faced takes on a very businesslike tone.* Back to The Cross and the Switchblade 24 minutesThis feature begins by discussing the events that brought David Wilkerson to NYC to start his ministry among the gangs. Excerpts from the film are interspersed with real life footage of the people currently being ministered to by the programs that are an outgrowth of Mr. Wilkerson's ministry. The very real images of the people and places that are presented in this special feature create an impressive documentary that is well worth watching.* Nicky Cruz in South Africa 32 minutesThis short feature is worth the price of the DVD alone. Nicky Cruz speaks very candidly about his experiences from his childhood being an unwanted child in a home filled with witchcraft up through his encounter with David Wilkerson. Fans of "The Princess Bride" will notice how much Nicky Cruz's command of the English language resembles that of Andre the Giant's.* Biography Feature (general text information about the film personnel listed below)Pat BooneErik EstradaDon Murray"The Cross and the Switchblade" rates five stars for the clean, clear transfer from film to DVD, for the special bonus features, for the film being faithful to the times and the culture in which the story took place, and for showing how the message is or is not received by the people involved in this real-life story.

Love it

About a man who believes God has uprooted him from a small community in the midwest and sent him to New York City to begin a ministry with street gangs, this is one of the most moving films I have seen. Pat Boone plays the title character, a real-life man named David Wilkerson, who went on to found Times Square Church in one of the biggest cities in the world. Though he encountered many setbacks in his early ministry, his faith was virtually unshakeable that he'd been put there by God to reach out to those who had no hope in anything except gangs and the street violence they embraced. The main focus of the film is David Wilkerson's belief that the most violent and hardest leader of all the gangs in New York City (at the time) was also the primary reason God sent him there. It follows Wilkerson's efforts to reach Nicky Cruz, his early failures because of Cruz' hate for everybody and everything, and the miracle that eventually found its way to Cruz and transformed him forever. The Cross and The Switchblade is undeniably a great film, but for me the most inspiring parts of the DVD are the Extra Features of this particular edition. The most powerful Extra was a film clip of the real Nicky Cruz telling his story at an evangelistic outreach. It was a heart-rending, crushing account of his early life and the people who (in normal circumstances) should have had his back. Instead, they betrayed him horribly, and as a result he eventually came to be a hate-filled leader of the most violent and brutal gang in New York City. Recommended viewing for anyone who is yearning for encouragement in God's ability to save those who seem unreachable and beyond hope.

When I was young, my parents would not let me watch this movie because it was rated R. Now this movie would definitely be rated PG, because I have seem many worse PG movies. This movie is a testimony of a pastor called David Wilkerson and a young gang leader who would be ever changed by the power of the living God to become a good godly man who later cared for others and learned the valuable lesson of how destructive gang life with murder and hatred can be. It is based on a true story.

This is Erik Estrada I think before chips mid-70s I think good movie good CD quality

Great movie.

Highly recommend reading the real-life story behind the Cross & the Switchblade. The movie stems from the true and compelling tale of David Wilkinson and how he got swept into the dark hovels of inner city NYC gang life.There are 2 versions of this movie on Amazon - one marked 2003 and one marked 2020. In fact, both of these supposed 21st century versions are the original 1970's version, despite whatever re-editing was done. The movie felt extremely dated and geared towards an audience of 50 years ago. Not only the music but the acting, the cinematography, angles, costumes, etc., etc.After watching the movie I re-read the book of the same title and found it as fresh and compelling as if it were written yesterday (probably b/c it didn't have 70's soundtracks playing in the background). I highly recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie. The book also gives a lot more nuanced and amazing detail.

See it, you will like it. Turned into a big play that many churches performed.