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Take the High Ground!

Name: Take the High Ground!
Director: Richard Brooks
Released: 1953
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Limited

1953

Not Rated

Director

Richard Brooks

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Take the High Ground! is a classic product of 1950s Hollywood, emphasizing traditional masculine roles and institutional patriotism. The story centers on a combat veteran's emotional recovery through a heterosexual relationship. While the film delves into the psychological effects of war, it lacks complexity in representing diverse identities. Instead, it focuses on individual resilience within military structures, reinforcing the social norms of its time.

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Category Breakdown

Does Take the High Ground! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional trajectory centered around heterosexual relationships. The main character's emotional journey revolves around his feelings for a female character, with no indication of LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Take the High Ground! portray gender?

Limited

Men hold the primary roles in driving the plot, particularly in military leadership. Julie Mollison serves as a catalyst for emotional growth but mainly functions as a romantic interest.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Take the High Ground!?

Limited

The story focuses on American soldiers, with the Mexican setting used primarily as a recreational backdrop rather than a platform for exploring diverse cultures.

How does Take the High Ground! represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film highlights mid-century values such as military discipline and patriotism. It examines the psychological impact of war through the lens of individual duty to the state.

Does Take the High Ground! include disability representation?

Minimal

The film addresses psychological trauma from the Korean War but relies on the 'troubled soldier' cliché rather than showing neurodivergence or physical disabilities with significant roles.

Present on Screen

Explores the psychological impact and 'ghosts' of combat trauma.
Offers a character study on individual resilience and duty.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from more multi-layered complexity and diverse character's ability to drive the story.
Relies heavily on traditional gender roles and romantic foils.
Uses international settings primarily as recreational backdrops.

Official Synopsis

Sgt. Thorne Ryan, who once fought bravely in Korea, now serves as a hard-nosed drill instructor to new Army recruits at Fort Bliss, Texas. But is he really the man he is often described as? His fellow instructor, and friend helps him to face the ghosts of his past experiences in Korea. One night in a bar across the border in Juarez, Mexico, Sgt. Ryan meets a lady who begins to turn his life around. Will this be enough to help him deal with the past? Or will he continue to be so hard on his troops?

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