Run Baby Run

While the sincerity of all involved in the production of this video is not in doubt, there is little discernible purpose to it, other than, perhaps, as a fund-raiser for Nicky Cruz Outreach. A somewhat jagged, fragmented chronicle of the life of Nicky Cruz, this program traces Cruz' life from his impoverished origins in Puerto Rico to his leadership of one of the most feared teen gangs in NYC and on through his conversion to, and career as proselytizer of, born-again Christianity. Previously featured in a 1972 film, The Cross & The Switchblade (starring Pat Boone and Erik Estrada), Cruz' life, as depicted here, demonstrates a sincere Christian ministry to youth-at-risk in dangerous and crime-ridden inner city environments. Matters of content aside, however, the sound quality throughout most of this video is dreadful. A good sound engineer should have realized that English spoken with a heavy Hispanic accent should be miked carefully with concern for clarity. As it is, two-thirds of it sounds like the microphones are under a pillow. Not recommended. Aud: P. (M. Rechel)