"The Cross and the Switchblade" Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary with Special Release

Widely heralded as one of the most influential faith films of our time, THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE has inspired a generation of filmmakers and helped launch a burgeoning new genre of film. Starring Pat Boone and Erik Estrada, and directed by acclaimed actor and filmmaker Don Murray, THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE was one of the first modern movies to bring a true story of faith to the big screen.  Now, 50 years after its theatrical release, Revelation Media is releasing a digitally remastered version of the film for a new generation of audiences. 

THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE is available to screen exclusively at watchthecross.com, then releasing on DVD on July 7. Since the site went live, over 36,000 people have already experienced this incredible true story of faith, restoration, and unconditional love. 

"THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE is one of the great true stories of faith," shares Steve Cleary, Founder of Revelation Media. "Even 5 decades after it's release, this story of a pastor's faith and conviction to share Christ with a hurting community continues to change lives.  We are honored to be able to share this powerful story with a new audience." 

Originally released in the summer of 1970, THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE is based on Pastor David Wilkerson's 1963 autobiography of the same name. Wilkerson (Boone), a self-described "skinny country preacher" who moved to the tough crime-ridden streets of New York City as a missionary in 1958.  Wilkerson lived in the community rattled by gang violence, including the notorious Mau Maus, led by Nicky Cruz (Estrada).  Wilkerson's determination and care impacted the lives of many of the young men immersed in gang culture.  Nikki Cruz was fully transformed by the Gospel and later went on to lead a decades-long outreach to at-risk young people. 

Revelation Media is releasing the film on the heels of an incredible promotion for their CGI-animated film THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. After it's release in US theaters, it became an instant classic and has been celebrated by audiences around the world, finding sell-out crowds in Australia, South Africa, the UK, and South Korea. Funds raised in these screenings allowed the film to be given free of charge to missionaries serving in regions where the Bible is not readily accessible.   

Now, since mid-March, THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS has been available for homebound families to screen free of charge in 12 languages.  Already, over 437,000 families have registered to watch the free stream of the film.

 To view THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE, please go to watchthecross.com. 

The 50th Anniversary Edition of the film will also be available on DVD beginning July 7, 2020, through Vision Video.  The DVD will also be available translated in Spanish, Arabic, Putonghua/Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Cantonese, and Hindi. 

Tags : The Cross and the Switchblade The Cross and the Switchblade film The Cross and the Switchblade movie The Cross and the Switchblade 5oth anniversary The Cross and the Switchblade dvd release pat boone Erik Estrada don murray