The Cross and the Switchblade (1970): Cast, Plot & Where to Watch
The Cross and the Switchblade is a 1970 drama directed by Don Murray, starring Pat Boone as David Wilkerson, Alex Colon and Erik Estrada. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes. Stream it on Fawesome and FlixFling, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and FlixFling.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 46m (106 min)
- Director
- Don Murray
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Gateway Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Cross and the Switchblade About?
The premise of The Cross and the Switchblade without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
David Wilkerson’s desperate yet hopeful first five years in New York City find him preaching to disillusioned street youth, urging them to abandon drugs and gang violence and embrace a faith‑centered life. He confronts the harsh realities of the urban underworld, forming personal connections with the young men and women he reaches, and his message of redemption begins to ripple through the neighborhoods.
The Cross and the Switchblade Themes & Keywords
· 44 tags- gang war
- briefs
- tighty whities
- man wears tighty whities
- bare chested male
- male underwear
- scene during opening credits
- greaser
- gang
- christian film
- white briefs
- christian
+32 more Show fewer
- brooklyn new york city
- trumpet
- gang brawl
- hubcap
- ghetto
- funeral
- death threat
- water balloon
- sleeping in a car
- puerto rican
- new york city
- fish out of water
- falling from height
- drugs
- change of heart
- brawl
- marijuana
- racial slur
- heroin
- sermon
- preaching
- preacher
- evangelist
- switchblade
- trust
- religion
- shoe
- mau mau
- religious conversion
- based on true story
- based on novel
- independent film
Where to Watch The Cross and the Switchblade
Stream it on Fawesome and FlixFling, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and FlixFling. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Fawesome 
FlixFling 
Hoopla 
Tubi TV 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
The Cross and the Switchblade Cast & Characters
Pat Boone leads the cast as David Wilkerson, with Alex Colon as Mingo and Erik Estrada as Nicky Cruz. Directed by Don Murray; 8 actors are credited in all.
- Director Don Murray
- Pat Boone as David Wilkerson
- Alex Colon as Mingo
- Erik Estrada as Nicky Cruz
- Jacqueline Giroux as Rosa
Also Starring in The Cross and the Switchblade
· 4 more- Don Blakely Abdullah
- Don Lamond Sergeant Delano
- Hechter Ubarry Moonlight
- Sam Capuano Mr. Gomez
The Cross and the Switchblade Plot Summary
What happens in The Cross and the Switchblade from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Based on the true story of David Wilkerson, a small-town preacher who travels to a crime-ridden corner of New York City to reach the neighborhood’s troubled youth. Guided by the streetwise Mingo, he quickly learns the lay of the land and discovers how to approach the skeptical teens who populate the streets.
Here he encounters the Mau Maus, a brutal gang led by president Israel and his feared “warlord,” Nicky Cruz, and David brings a message of hope to the angry youths. He is put up in a small street chapel run by Pastor Hector Gomez, where a loving family supports him and offers food and shelter.
Full summary
The whole story of The Cross and the Switchblade, scene by scene
The Cross and the Switchblade Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Cross and the Switchblade.
How Well Do You Know The Cross and the Switchblade?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
Who is the preacher that travels to New York City to help troubled youth?
Cars in The Cross and the Switchblade
43 cars on screen, including the 1969 Buick Skylark and the 1969 Cadillac Fleetwood 75.
-
1969 Buick Skylark Important role -
1969 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Important role -
1968 Cadillac Funeral Coach Important role -
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Important role
Seen The Cross and the Switchblade?
Movies Like The Cross and the Switchblade
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Crossway, Deuces Wild and Bloodbrothers.
The Cross and the Switchblade FAQ: Where to Watch & Cast
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch and post-credit scenes of The Cross and the Switchblade, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Cross and the Switchblade?
The Cross and the Switchblade runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).
When was The Cross and the Switchblade released?
The Cross and the Switchblade was released on June 1, 1970.
Who directed The Cross and the Switchblade?
The Cross and the Switchblade was directed by Don Murray.
More films by Don Murray Who is in the cast of The Cross and the Switchblade?
The Cross and the Switchblade stars Pat Boone as David Wilkerson, Alex Colon as Mingo and Erik Estrada as Nicky Cruz, among 8 credited actors.
Where can I watch The Cross and the Switchblade?
In the US, The Cross and the Switchblade is streaming on Fawesome, FlixFling and Hoopla and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and FlixFling (availability from JustWatch).
Does The Cross and the Switchblade have a post-credit scene?
No. The Cross and the Switchblade has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
