THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE

US, 1970, 106 minutes, Colour.
Pat Boone, Erik Estrada.
Directed by Don Murray.

The Cross and the Switchblade was a significant book in the 1960s and a significant film in the early 1970s. It was a forerunner of some of the films during the 1970s with religious background. This is the story of gangs in New York, personified by the real-life character Nicky Cruz, played by TV Chips’s Erik Estrada. The film is strong in its presentation of the gangs and their brutality. The film focuses also on a minister who goes into the gang area to work with the youth. He is played by singer Pat Boone.

The film has the touch of crusading dialogue. To that extent, it seems somewhat dated. However, in the first decade of the 21st century, there was an attempt to revive this kind of religious film, films of faith.

Nicky Cruz also wrote a book, Run Baby Run, which was filmed as a documentary in 1998.

The film reminds us that there have always been city gangs, especially gangs of New York. But there have been great efforts made for social work, especially in Christian ministry.

1. The preface to the film, motivation of the filmmakers – entertainment, message? The quality of the religious sincerity behind the film?

2. What audience response was wanted for the film? Interest, religious response, conversion? How convincing was the film in this regard? How authentic?

3. Did the obvious religious messages dominate the plot or not? How well were they integrated?

4. The importance of the New York atmosphere? Trial, the gangs, the violence, the daring, the atmosphere of gangs and human needs? How well done? The language of New York? the atmosphere for a conversion story?

5. How interesting and convincing the introduction of David Wilkerson into this atmosphere? his demonstration at the court case, people's reaction to him? Comment on the qualities of his personality. His relationship to his wife and child? The urgency of his mission? the quality of his Christian love? The style of his religious preaching? The overtones of being religious? His speaking of aphorisms like 'God loves you’? Giving away his shoes, being slapped? How genuine was his concern?

6. The presentation of Nick as a balance to this religious atmosphere? The nature of his hostility, the reasons for it in the New York environment? The chips on his shoulder? Was he plausible and credible as a character? Hostility? His beating at the funeral? Reaction to Rosa? The basis of the change and the dramatisation of his conversion? The fact that he was a technical adviser for the film?

7. The humanity of the family, their support for Wilkerson? For Rosa in her addiction? For Little Bo?

8. The significance of Rosa in the film? Her attachment to Nick, her change? The drama of the drag scene? Her dependence on Nick and his wanting her to kill Wilkerson? Credibility?

9. The clash between the Bishops and the Mau Maus? The gangs in the New York streets? the ethos of fighting and superiority? Manliness? Anti-religion?

10. The rally, the collection, involving the gangs, the challenge to their beliefs?

11. How impressive was Wilkerson’s sermon? The focus on Christ, religion, feelings and the message of salvation? The window and the cross and the contrast with the switchblade world?

12. What did the film say about the reality of conversion? the possibility of this kind of miracle? How plausible?

13. The film's offering religion and religious values as the most important way of solving social problems? How realistic, idealistic?

14. How genuine were the Christian values portrayed and explored? The fact that David Wilkerson was a real person and that his centres have achieved quite a deal for people in need?