Movie spotlight
The Burning Cross
Recently returned from WWII combat, unable to find a job, finding his sweetheart engaged to another man, and generally aware of the changes which have occurred in his hometown while he was away, a young man becomes easily talked into joining the Ku Klux Klan. Banned by the Virginia Board of Censors, and financed independently because no bank would loan money for it.
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Plot Summary
A young doctor, Stephen Wayne, returns to his Southern hometown, only to find it controlled by the Ku Klux Klan. He becomes involved in a struggle against the Klan's violent activities, particularly when a Black man is wrongly accused of a crime. Wayne tries to bring justice to the town, facing opposition from the powerful forces of prejudice and hate.
Critical Reception
The Burning Cross was a B-movie melodrama that attempted to address the issue of racial prejudice and the Ku Klux Klan. While its intentions were arguably progressive for its time, its execution was often criticized for being heavy-handed and melodramatic. It received a generally lukewarm reception from critics, who acknowledged the subject matter but found the storytelling to be simplistic and the performances uneven.
What Reviewers Say
Addresses a sensitive topic but lacks nuanced storytelling.
The film's melodramatic tone often overshadows its social commentary.
Performances are serviceable but rarely elevate the material.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available, but historical context suggests it was a film that aimed for social relevance with mixed artistic success.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by the independent studio Screen Guild Productions, which often tackled controversial or social issue-oriented subjects for its time.
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