Performance & Direction: Take the High Ground! Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Take the High Ground! (1953) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Take the High Ground! features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Widmark . Supported by the likes of Karl Malden and Elaine Stewart , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Take the High Ground! (1953) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: Take the High Ground!
Quick Plot Summary: Take the High Ground! is a Comedy, Drama, War film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Take the High Ground!
Ending Breakdown: Take the High Ground! attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Take the High Ground! reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Take the High Ground! Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Take the High Ground! uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a comedy, drama, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Take the High Ground! adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Take the High Ground!?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Take the High Ground!
All Cast & Crew →
Take the High Ground! Parents Guide & Age Rating
1953 AdvisoryWondering about Take the High Ground! age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Take the High Ground! is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Take the High Ground! is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1953 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Take the High Ground! worth watching?
Take the High Ground! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Take the High Ground! parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Take the High Ground! identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Take the High Ground!?
The total duration of Take the High Ground! is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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