Cast
View All
Richard Widmark
as Sgt. Thorne Ryan
Karl Malden
as Sgt. Laverne Holt
Elaine Stewart
as Julie Mollison
Carleton Carpenter
as Merton "Tex" Tolliver
Russ Tamblyn
as Paul Jamison
Jerome Courtland
as Elvin C. Carey
Steve Forrest
as Lobo Nagalaski
Robert Arthur
as Donald Quentin Dover IV
Maurice Jara
as Franklin D. No Bear
William Hairston
as Daniel Hazard
Bert Freed
as Sgt. Vince Opperman
Acquanetta
as Bar Girl (uncredited)
Matilda Caldwell
as Mrs. Hazard (uncredited)
Charlita
as Mexican Girl (uncredited)
John Close
as Military Policeman (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Richard Brooks
Producer
- Dore Schary
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Take the High Ground! examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Richard Brooks brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1953, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Take the High Ground! took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1953, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Take the High Ground! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fortress, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Take the High Ground! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hot Shots! and Dragon Wars: D-War explore similar territory, Take the High Ground! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 30, 1953
- Runtime: 1h 41m
