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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1949
Runtime1h 14m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresDrama, War
Votes2
DirectorFrank R. Strayer
WritersJesse Lasky Jr.
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsThe Sickle or the Cross
About The Sickle or the Cross
Reverend John Burnside, American missionary in the Far East, prepares to return home after twenty years to take up the fight against Communism. The Reds imprison him and send in his place a spy who is his double, but who is instructed to come out for Communism. The spy is accepted in Burnside's home town, and he reports to local Communist headquarters, where James John, prominent local businessman but in reality a Red agent, has instructions to assist him in all details of his mission. He does a series of personal appearances and radio interviews and talk shows, using an anti-Communist approach.
Directed by Frank R. Strayer, The Sickle or the Cross leans on a strong ensemble — Kent Taylor, Gloria Holden, Gene Lockhart — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1949.
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