The Cross and the Switchblade (film)

Summary

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

Plot

The film is based on the true story of David Wilkerson (Pat Boone), a small-town preacher who gets caught in the shadows of a crime-ridden neighborhood in New York City. He encounters the Mau Maus, 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. David came to New York City from a Pittsburgh suburb with little money, and is put up in a small street chapel owned by a pastor with a loving family who supports David in his work and offers to help with food and shelter. Cruz at first dismisses Wilkerson as a joke, then as a conspiracy to break up the Mau Maus, serving to only intensify his desire to be rid of the "preacher man". Nicky's girlfriend Rosa prostitutes in order to support her heroin addiction, and later begs David to help her sober her drug habits. David realistically does not think Rosa can handle her heroin problem without medical attention, but agrees to allow the pastor and his wife to have Rosa live with them and stand vigil as she goes through difficult withdrawals. After Rosa is sober, she tries to convince Nicky that David comes to them out of love, but Nicky becomes more and more frustrated. When David tries an attempt to reach out to all gang members in the area through a revival, the pastor convince the NYPD not to survey the area in order to have the gangs think they are left alone. Nicky agrees with Big Cat, the leader of the rival Bishops, that they should rumble at the revival since no one would expect that. However, during David's sermon, his message that no one can be labeled and Christ's death on the Cross reaches Nicky, and he stands up to Big Cat who is ready to attack David. The film concludes by saying that in the question of the Cross and the Switchblade, the Cross proved stronger.

Nicky Cruz would go on to become an ordained minister, preaching the gospel due to the initial efforts of David Wilkerson. In the end they start a center called Teen Challenge to support teens.

Reception

The film received positive reviews from Christians and moviegoers alike, it currently holds a 73% audience approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 3.9/5 from 820 reviews. Pat Boone regards the film as one of his favourites. "I took a huge gamble with that film," he says. "Financially it didn't pay off because I did it for next to nothing - I virtually did it as a charity but I don't regret it at all. Within its limitations it was a very well made film."