Customer Reviews

The Cross and the Switchblade [VHS]

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I've heard about this show before, and just watched it, and plan on watching it again before the night is out!

This movie is great. I expected to be let down, but it moved me like few other films have. It tells the story of God's love through a Christian witness like no other modern film that I've seen. Based on a real life story, it stars Pat Boone and Eric Estrada (who also starred in the television show Chips). This is a classic.

Don't be fooled by the above review. This has nothing to do with the world's morality, and everything to do about the love that God shows to save men.

This film was made in 1969, and may seem a bit dated in how it presents gang violence, but it presents it like the other, secular, films of that era, and quite frankly is like a long overdue breath of fresh air after watching the nth gang and detective shows of the 60s and 70s. Finally, something REAL.

It is also not surprising that the networks will not air this film, and therefore you will need to buy it. While the networks continue to promote witchcraft, a sequel to this movie was made. Nicky Cruz, the gang member who was saved in this movie tells his own story in "Run, Baby, Run" -- his family was involved in the occult and witchcraft. Another movie and another needed breath of fresh air.

Both Pat Boone (Debbie's dad and known for his infamous No More Mr. Nice Guy CD) and especially Erik Estrada do a fine job acting in this one! The music is a little dated, but that's not the point of the movie. The highlight is seeing the respectable preacher turn around the hearts of many hardened gang members. It has its funny scenes as well, like the girl singing the song and the gang members taunt her. Most of all, it's an inspiring movie based on a true story. The Lord works in mysterious ways and anybody's life can change for the better!

The Cross And The Switchblade is the special anniversary edition DVD, which was digitally restored from the original 35mm negative. This is the now classic story of how the life-changing message of Jesus Christ gave a gang leader the inspiration and opportunity to transform his violent life into something better. Reaching out to the hopes and fears of young folks everywhere, The Cross And The Switchblade is dramatic, vivid, and very highly recommended viewing. This 105 minutes, fully color DVD production is enhanced with extra features including 8 language tracks, English sub-titles, commentary by writer/director Don Murray and associate producer Dr. A. Kenneth Curtis, actor biographies, and more.

This is a classic in the Christian world! It's a story of a country preacher who feels God calling him to help the New York street gangs and particularly a young warlord played by Eric Estrada. Full of suspense, drama, and humor- this is a rare nugget of gold in the Christian market which has been plagued until the last few years with cheese due to lack of big budgets. The cheese factor is here, too, just because of the "groovy" music and 70's production techniques, but it fits in nicely with the whole retro thing and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how the story grabs you. Check it out, baby!

In 1975 I was given a copy of the book, The Cross and the Switchblade while i was waiting for a Greyhound Bus to go see my dad's mom whom I had never met. I was 14 years old and found myself put on the street by my natural mother who told me never come home. If it had not been for the spark this book put in my life and the seed that this book planted helped me prepare for my early adult life taking care of myself. I could not depend or trust anyone who said they loved me because I just didn't trust them, my own mother who said she loved me cast me to wolves, what would others do to me. It was David Wilkerson's book that changed me not immediately but planted the seed for the harvest in my life. I am now a Minister of the Gospel with a good business and a family whom I love and kids I wouldn't trade for anything.

This is not the best movie as far as special effects are concerned. However, it presents God's mercy in streets of New York. David Wilkerson's obedience to God brings great fruits. His commitment and determination is really impressive. In few words, God is merciful to save anybody, even worst characters. It does not mather how bad you are, you can be saved. Everybody is a sinner.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." I Corinthians 1:18-19

I viewed this movie many years ago . It brought me back to where I needed to be with Christ. It was so well done and so real to life , and it being a true story made it harder for one to walk away and not feel touched by its content. I just purchased the hard cover book and the video for my daughter , and I also have 2 younger children that in time will benefit from its content. I wish there were more stars to award it . Great work !!

I read the book when I was at school and later on saw the film (I am now 38). I am not at all religious, but the film has religous connertations in that it is about a preacher who steers the gangsters into believing in God and in themselves. It was very moving and really made you think about life on the street and what drugs can do to people. Erik Estrada fitted the role perfectly. Although, a little dated now, still a great film.

I saw this movie many years ago in school. Today I am 35 and I still remember how the movie moved me as a kid. It might not be the greatest movie ever made, or had the best acting but compared to some of the garbage they make today (such as Pulp Fiction, to name one) it is a master piece. If it did nothing else, it made one person think twice before using drugs and joining a gang.

I read the book before I watched the movie. And as it happens so often, I think the book is much better, because it expresses so much deeper what goes on inside the characters. Also the works of the Holy Spirit is, except for one incident, lost in the movie.
Still for a person who does not know the book, it is better to see the movie, then not know about the heart change from Christ at all.
I wish the movie could be reproduced with modern techniques. It can not be hidden,that it is very old (1960s). And hopefully with the reproduction the soul work documented in the book could be much better expressed. Incorporating parts of Nicky Cruz's book "Run baby run" would make it almost perfect.