[1] In 1958, Pentecostal pastor David Wilkerson's of Assemblies of God is touched by an article in Life Magazine about seven teenagers who are members of a criminal gang.

The film is based on the true story of David Wilkerson, a small-town preacher who gets caught in the shadows of a crime-ridden neighborhood in New York City.

He encounters the Mau Maus, a gang led by president Israel and his "warlord," Nicky Cruz, and David brings a message of hope to the angry youths.

David came to New York City from a central Pennsylvania small town with little money, and is put up in a small street chapel owned by Pastor Hector Gomez with a loving family who supports David in his work and offers to help with food and shelter.

Cruz at first dismisses Wilkerson as a joke, then as a conspiracy to break up the Mau Maus, serving to only intensify his desire to be rid of David.

However, during David's sermon, his message that no one can be labeled and Christ's death on the Cross reaches Nicky, and he stops the gangs from fighting.

Nicky Cruz would go on to become an ordained minister, preaching the Gospel due to the initial efforts of David Wilkerson.

"[18] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times said the film was "hard to take" adding that Boone was "unconvincing" as Wilkerson.

"[19] The New York Times' Howard Thompson wrote, "I liked it... the script... has a pungent, savy edge and some amusing dialogue... the colour photography is excellent... three of the youngsters can really act.