The Cross and the Switchblade

Boone as David Wilkerson.Based on the 1963 autobiography, The Cross and the Switchblade (1970) tells the true story of David Wilkerson (Pat Boone), a small-town Pennsylvania pastor who moves to New York City to minister to gang members and drug addicts amidst the violent, crime-ridden streets of the late 1960s. Facing intense hostility, Wilkerson attempts to bring a message of hope to rival gangs, specifically targeting the "Mau Maus" and their ruthless warlord, Nicky Cruz (Erik Estrada). Despite death threats and repeated rejections, the pastor's persistence and faith eventually lead to dramatic results. I first heard of The Cross and the Switchblade when the movie was shown for free at my junior high school. It wasn't a school-wide event, but rather the film was shown in the evening. I didn't go, but remember seeing the dramatic posters on bulletin boards throughout the school. It's taken me several decades to finally watch The Cross and the Switchblade, but I'm glad I did.It's a…