Watch The Cross and the Switchblade

The movie "The Cross and the Switchblade" from 1970 is based on the true story of David Wilkerson, a small-town pastor from Pennsylvania who travels to New York City to minister to troubled youth. At the beginning of the movie, we see Wilkerson, played by Pat Boone, giving a sermon to his congregation about the need to help those in need. After reading a news article about a teenage boy who is facing a murder charge, Wilkerson feels called to go to New York City to help troubled youth.

Once in New York, Wilkerson encounters a group of gang members, including Nicky Cruz, played by Erik Estrada. Nicky is the leader of a ruthless gang and has no interest in Wilkerson's message of faith and redemption. Despite the danger, Wilkerson continues to visit the gang members and eventually gains their trust.

As Wilkerson continues to minister to the gang members, he becomes a target himself. One night, he is severely beaten and left for dead. However, through a series of miraculous events, he is able to survive and continue his work.

Throughout the movie, we see the transformation of Nicky Cruz from a hardened gang leader to a man of faith. He ultimately decides to walk away from his life of crime and violence and begins to help Wilkerson in his ministry.

Aside from the main plot, the movie also touches on themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness. Wilkerson's unwavering belief in the power of faith is a central theme of the movie.

The movie features strong performances from both Boone and Estrada. Boone, known for his wholesome image, delivers a powerful performance as the determined pastor. Estrada, in one of his earliest roles, brings depth and complexity to the character of Nicky Cruz.

One of the standout scenes in the movie is a dramatic confrontation between Wilkerson and Cruz. In the scene, Cruz is struggling with his faith and is confronted by Wilkerson about his violent past. The scene is intense and emotional, with both actors giving powerful performances.

Overall, "The Cross and the Switchblade" is a compelling and inspiring movie that tells the true story of one man's determination to bring hope and redemption to those in need. While the movie may seem dated by today's standards, its message of faith and hope is still relevant today.

The Cross and the Switchblade is a 1970 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.