3. The Burning Cross (1947)
A returning veteran from World War Two called Johnny, is unable to settle himself down to civilian life. He succumbs to the lure of joining the Ku Klux Klan. After having worn the Klan robes and participated in some raids, his eyes are opened as to how monstrous the KKK really are. He is filled with guilt and horror after an old friend who stood up to the Klan was killed, more of his friends' houses are burnt out, and his wheelchair confined father is badly beaten. Johnny goes to the authorities, admits his involvement and agrees to bring all the guilty parties down. A riveting and exciting view, The Burning Cross does not shy away from the KKK's racist activities - such as attacks on Jews, attacks on black people. It adequately portrays the insular nature of the KKK and how whenever you are in it, you can't really get out. It also shows how some areas of America have been in the past, dominated by these white clad hooligans. Sober stuff.