The discussion focuses on the movie “Take the High Ground!” which was released in 1953. The movie mainly features a story surrounding two Korean War veterans, their life as drill sergeants, and their personal love interests. In this discussion, the filming locations, interesting facts and tidbits will be explored, all of which will shed light on the making of the movie.
Where it Filmed?
Largely filmed in the United States, the movie “Take the High Ground!” had numerous shooting locations. Areas in El Paso and Fort Bliss, Texas served as the main stages for the film scenes. Furthermore, sets within Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, specifically in Culver City, California, also played an important role in the movie production.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Richard Widmark | Sgt. Thorne Ryan |
| Karl Malden | Sgt. Laverne Holt |
| Elaine Stewart | Julie Mollison |
| Carleton Carpenter | Merton ‘Tex’ Tolliver |
| Russ Tamblyn | Paul Jamison |
| Jerome Courtland | Elvin C. Carey |
| Steve Forrest | Lobo Naglaski |
| Robert Arthur | Donald Quentin Dover IV |
| Chris Warfield | Soldier |
| William Hairston | Daniel Hazard |
| Maurice Jara | Franklin D. No Bear |
| Bert Freed | Sgt. Vince Opperman |
| Iris Adrian | Mrs. Butterfly (scenesDeleted) |
| James MacArthur | |
| Acquanetta | Bar Girl (uncredited) |
| Matilda Caldwell | Mrs. Hazard (uncredited) |
| Charlita | Mexican Girl (uncredited) |
| John Close | Military Policeman (uncredited) |
| Mickey Contreras | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Joe Dominguez | Shooting Gallery Proprietor (uncredited) |
| Lester Dorr | Army Doctor (uncredited) |
| Billy Foster | Recruit (uncredited) |
| Nacho Galindo | Mexican (uncredited) |
| Jack Gargan | Army Doctor (uncredited) |
| Dabbs Greer | Shorty (uncredited) |
| Don Haggerty | Commanding Officer (uncredited) |
| Creighton Hale | Army Doctor (uncredited) |
| Harry Hines | Drunk (uncredited) |
| Gordon Jones | Moose (uncredited) |
| Richard Landry | Recruit (uncredited) |
| Bill Lee | Singer of “Julie” (uncredited) |
| Mickey McCardle | Soldier (uncredited) |
| Steve Mitchell | Quartermaster Sergeant (uncredited) |
| Tom Quinn | Army Doctor (uncredited) |
| Vernon Rich | Army Doctor (uncredited) |
| Suzanne Ridgway | Bar Girl (uncredited) |
| Harry Stanton | Army Doctor (uncredited) |
| Clarence Straight | Cowboy (uncredited) |
| Regis Toomey | Chaplain (uncredited) |
| Tommy Walker | Soldier (uncredited) |
| Guy Wilkerson | Carey’s Father (uncredited) |
| Robert B. Williams | Supply Sergeant (uncredited) |
| Wilson Wood | Marine Friend (uncredited) |
Trivia and Facts
The movie was directed by Richard Brooks and starred Richard Widmark, Karl Malden and Elaine Stewart. Interesting roles for stormy characters like Sgt. Thorne Ryan and Sgt. Laverne Holt were played by Widmark and Malden respectively, while Stewart played the elegant Julie Mollison. The movie derives its charm not only from the drama on the screen, but also from hidden facets of its creation: like an odd sign in a shooting scene which read “Watch Your Language Single Men Present” – a charmingly archaic nod to politeness. A common military terminology mistake was noted where the word “base” was used instead of “post”. The unique character of the film lies in these minutiae which magnify its allure.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Fort Bliss, Texas, USA
- Latitude: 31.812438
- Longitude: -106.4213208
- Place ID: ChIJo0SiFRJa54YRy6zTLB8PA64
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Fort Bliss, TX, USA
- Timezone: America/Denver
- Location Name: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios – 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0177219
- Longitude: -118.4010554
- Place ID: ChIJdz_a2y66woARft2-DvNq-K4
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
