The Sickle or the Cross
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Kent Taylor
Rev. John Burnside
Gloria Holden
Louise Cannon
Gene Lockhart
James John
Emmett Vogan
Walter Deems
David Bruce
George Hart
Kathleen Lockhart
Martha Deems
Margaret Kerry
Betty Deems
Arthur Stone
Tommy Deems
Dudley Dickerson
Horatio
Adeline De Walt Reynolds
Mrs. Burnside
Robert Emmett Keane
Dr. Soams
John Eldredge
Rev. Dodge
Charles Halton
Dr. Short
Ivan Triesault
I.V. Morse
Gene Roth
Pakin
Gayne Whitman
Tim Matthews
Diane Fauntelle
Bookstore Clerk
Philip Ahn
Chinese Official
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 1, 1949
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Frank R. Strayer
- Screenplay & Story
- Jesse Lasky Jr.
- Original Score
- Alberto Colombo
- Original Title
- The Sickle or the Cross
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 14m
- Production Studios
- Astor Pictures Corp.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Frank R. Strayer
Jesse Lasky Jr.
Alberto Colombo
Walter Strenge
S. Roy Luby
Roland D. Reed
Department Leadership Roster
Frank R. Strayer
Director
Jesse Lasky Jr.
Screenplay
Roland D. Reed
Producer
Walter Strenge
Director of Photography
S. Roy Luby
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Sickle or the Cross.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Sickle or the Cross
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Sickle or the Cross about?
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.
Who directed The Sickle or the Cross?
The Sickle or the Cross was directed by Frank R. Strayer.
Who stars in The Sickle or the Cross?
The principal cast of The Sickle or the Cross includes Kent Taylor, Gloria Holden, Gene Lockhart, Emmett Vogan, David Bruce.
When was The Sickle or the Cross released and how long is it?
The Sickle or the Cross was released in 1949 with a total runtime of 1h 14m.
Who composed the musical score for The Sickle or the Cross?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Sickle or the Cross was composed by Alberto Colombo.