IMDb RATING
6.0/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
In 1953, at Fort Bliss, Texas, two former Korean War combat veterans work as drill sergeants and fall in love with the same woman.In 1953, at Fort Bliss, Texas, two former Korean War combat veterans work as drill sergeants and fall in love with the same woman.In 1953, at Fort Bliss, Texas, two former Korean War combat veterans work as drill sergeants and fall in love with the same woman.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 nomination total
Iris Adrian
- Mrs. Butterfly
- (scenes deleted)
Acquanetta
- Bar Girl
- (uncredited)
Matilda Caldwell
- Mrs. Hazard
- (uncredited)
Charlita
- Mexican Girl
- (uncredited)
John Close
- Military Policeman
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAt about 18 minutes into the film while Richard Widmark and Karl Malden's characters are shooting pool there is a sign on the wall that reads: Watch Your Language Single Men Present. A real "sign" of the times.
- GoofsWhen Ryan and Holt have the troops on a training exercise in the field, Ryan tells Holt to "get back to base." The Army doesn't refer to its facilities as bases. An actual soldier would have said "get back to the post."
- Quotes
Sgt. Thorne Ryan: This is your rifle, and not your gun; it's made for shooting, and not for fun!
- ConnectionsReferenced in Killer's Kiss (1955)
Featured review
Watchable, if not memorable
An interesting Korean-War era film, starring Richard Widmark and Karl Malden, Take the High Ground depicts sixteen weeks of basic training at Fort Bliss. The film revolves around the differing personalities of two drill sergeants (Widmark and Malden) as they shape hopeless recruits into combat-ready soldiers. Widmark's character, Sgt. First Class Thorne Ryan is a battle-hardened veteran, who believes that toughness is the best way to prepare recruits for combat. Staff Sgt. Laverne Holt (Malden), however, relies on compassion to help his men adjust to army life. These differences present a few interesting conflicts, but overall, their static characters add little. Like most basic training films, this movie offers a few predictable laughs and trivial subplots, but fails to develop a deep plot. Elaine Stewart's adulterous character, in particular, is unnecessary and only adds confusion. Overall, however, Take the High Ground is watchable, if not memorable.
helpful•141
- walterffick
- Apr 4, 2008
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $1,166,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 41 minutes
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