Take the High Ground! Poster

Take the High Ground! 1953

★ 5.912 votes101 min📅 1953-10-30

"From its rowdy, ribald horse-play, to its rousing marching song... from its hard-boiled hates and slugging feuds to its tough-but tender love story... this is a drama of our times... exciting, exalting, young, brave and alive!"

Set against the backdrop of post-war America, Richard Brooks' gripping drama, Take the High Ground! (1953), follows the story of Sgt. Thorne Ryan, a hardened drill instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Director: Richard Brooks

Cast

Richard Widmark
Richard Widmark
Sgt. Thorne Ryan
Karl Malden
Karl Malden
Sgt. Laverne Holt
Elaine Stewart
Elaine Stewart
Julie Mollison
Carleton Carpenter
Carleton Carpenter
Merton "Tex" Tolliver
Russ Tamblyn
Russ Tamblyn
Paul Jamison
Jerome Courtland
Jerome Courtland
Elvin C. Carey
Steve Forrest
Steve Forrest
Lobo Nagalaski
Robert Arthur
Robert Arthur
Donald Quentin Dover IV
Maurice Jara
Maurice Jara
Franklin D. No Bear
William Hairston
Daniel Hazard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Take the High Ground! (1953) about?

The film follows the story of Sgt. Thorne Ryan, a hardened drill instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas, as he struggles to connect with his new recruits and confront the demons of his past.

Who directed Take the High Ground!?

Richard Brooks brings his unique perspective to the screen in this gripping drama.

Who stars in Take the High Ground!?

The film features a talented cast, including Richard Widmark, Karl Malden, and Elaine Stewart.

Is Take the High Ground! (1953) worth watching?

While the film may not have a perfect IMDb rating, its powerful portrayal of the human condition and exploration of themes such as love, redemption, and heroism make it a must-watch for fans of drama and war films.

How long is Take the High Ground!?

The film has a runtime of 101 minutes.

About Take the High Ground! (1953) — A Gripping Drama of Love, Redemption, and War

Set against the backdrop of post-war America, Richard Brooks' gripping drama, Take the High Ground! (1953), follows the story of Sgt. Thorne Ryan, a hardened drill instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas. His tough exterior hides a complex past, marked by the brutal realities of the Korean War. As he struggles to connect with his new recruits, Ryan finds solace in a mysterious woman from Juarez, Mexico, who challenges his tough façade and forces him to confront the demons that haunt him. With its blend of humor, drama, and war, Take the High Ground! is a poignant exploration of the human spirit, tackling themes of love, redemption, and the true meaning of heroism.

As Brooks masterfully weaves together the lives of his characters, we are drawn into a world of raw emotion, where the lines between duty, loyalty, and personal relationships are constantly blurred. With its raw, unflinching portrayal of the human condition, Take the High Ground! remains a powerful and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Starring Richard Widmark, Karl Malden, and Elaine Stewart, Take the High Ground! is a gripping drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, invested in the complex journey of its protagonist.