Das Kreuz und die Messerhelden (1970)

Das Kreuz und die Messerhelden: Directed by Don Murray. With Pat Boone, Erik Estrada, Jacqueline Giroux, Jo-Ann Robinson. Long before faith-based films became a regular feature of mainstream movie theaters, there was The Cross and The Switchblade. The story of Pastor David Wilkerson and gang member, Nicki Cruz.

“IN 1970 CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE came out. The tale of gangs drugs and violence was very popular in filmhouses across the nation. It propelled momentum forward for Christian films and Christian film concepts to be brought forth. Unfotunately the people behind the Christian films like gospel films and billy zeoli failed to see that their time was then. Their time was then and they blew it. This film was churchy but unlike anything the methodists or any other denomination had put out before. Visually the film had a gritty urban feel of filth, guns, ruined buildings and no hope. The book was first a novel. The novel was much grittier and dealt with adult issues better not dealt with on this website. I actually had the privilege as I was growing up to know one of the men who was depicted in the book as having worked with wilkerson. The film is gritty but is a family film and is extremely well made. The dialog may make you cringe but we are talking 1970 here. The dialog is badly dated. The sad thing now film group stands now to turn out quality Christian films. Looks up itu0026#39;s time to pop up the pop corn and go see the PASSION again.”