The Burning Cross 1947
"A Daring Expose of the K.K.K."
In this gripping 1947 crime drama, *The Burning Cross* dives into the dark underbelly of post-WWII America, where one man's disillusionment and desperation lead him down a perilous path.
Director: Walter Colmes
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Burning Cross (1947) about?
The film follows a WWII veteran who, after returning home to find his life in ruins, joins the Ku Klux Klan out of desperation and anger. As he grapples with betrayal and societal change, his involvement in the hate group forces him to confront the true cost of his choices.
Who directed The Burning Cross?
Walter Colmes directed *The Burning Cross*. While not as widely remembered today, his work on this film reflects a bold attempt to tackle a taboo subject in 1940s cinema.
Who stars in The Burning Cross?
The film features Henry H. Daniels Jr. in the lead role, supported by Virginia Patton, Dick Rich, Betty Roadman, and Raymond Bond.
Is The Burning Cross (1947) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *The Burning Cross* stands out as a historically significant crime drama tackling a difficult subject with unsettling relevance. Its independent production and censorship battles add to its intrigue, though modern viewers should brace for its heavy themes and dated but potent portrayal of hate.
How long is The Burning Cross?
*The Burning Cross* runs for 77 minutes, offering a tight, intense narrative that packs a punch in under an hour and a half.
About The Burning Cross (1947) — A WWII Veteran's Dark Path into the KKK
In this gripping 1947 crime drama, *The Burning Cross* dives into the dark underbelly of post-WWII America, where one man's disillusionment and desperation lead him down a perilous path. Walter Colmes directs a story that follows a war veteran returning home to find his sweetheart married and his town transformed—only to be lured into the sinister embrace of the Ku Klux Klan. As the film exposes the KKK's chilling influence, it weaves themes of betrayal, identity, and the erosion of moral compass in a society struggling to heal. With its tense atmosphere and unflinching portrayal of racial hatred, *The Burning Cross* remains a stark, thought-provoking relic of its time.
The film's independent financing underscores its controversial nature, as no bank dared to back a project so boldly confronting the KKK's reign of terror. Starring Henry H. Daniels Jr. as the conflicted protagonist, alongside Virginia Patton and Dick Rich, *The Burning Cross* blends crime and social commentary into a compact 77-minute runtime. Its tagline—"A Daring Expose of the K.K.K."—hints at the raw urgency driving this forgotten yet haunting cinematic experience.