The Cross And The Switchblade

Pat Boone is cleanly cast in a well-suited role as a minister on a mission to rid the streets of delinquents. A young Erik Estrada (of TV's "C.H.I.P.S." fame) is Nicky, the streetwise gang leader, who acts as receptacle for Boone's moralistic backwash. The film is intended for a churchgoing audience, and, in all fairness, is a true attempt to better people's attitudes. Unfortunately for the filmmakers this simply comes off as a bit preachy. It is unrealistic and sugary in its portrayal of street people and succeeds only on a soap-box level. The movie was filmed on location in New York City.