Take The High Ground

Dore Schary produced a number of rough Army films, and TAKE THE HIGH GROUND fits right into the mold. This time it's about how a diverse group of raw civilians become fighting machines. Widmark has a lock on this role and plays it well as the top sergeant in charge of getting this group ready for battle in a short period of time, so they can save their own lives. While Widmark is the tough guy, Malden plays the good-hearted leader, with a soft spot in his heart for the men, and a sympathetic ear. It also shows the inner conflicts the men face, the conflicts among themselves, and the troubles their women must endure when the men are shipped out. The Academy nominate...