The Long And The Short And The Tall cover art

The Long And The Short And The Tall Details

1960 Certificate PG
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 200 members

Seven British soldiers are trapped behind Japanese lines during World War II. During the long days and dangerous Malayan jungle nights, tempers are short and the tension is high. A vivid and stark portrayal of a British patrol unit from the director of Dunkirk and producer Michael Balcon. Read more

Starring Laurence Harvey, Richard Todd, Richard Harris
Director Leslie Norman
Genres Action/Adventure

Sign up The Long And The Short And The Tall DVD

Buy From: £6.93

loading loading...

The Long And The Short And The Tall cover art

The Long And The Short And The Tall

Seven British soldiers are trapped behind Japanese lines during World War II. During the long days and dangerous Malayan jungle nights, tempers are short and the tension is high. A vivid and stark portrayal of a British patrol unit from the director of Dunkirk and producer Michael Balcon.

Starring Laurence Harvey, Richard Todd, Richard Harris
Director Leslie Norman
Studio OPTIMUM
Run time DVD: 1 hr 42 mins
Certificate Certificate PG
Genres Action/Adventure
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 28 Jan 2008
Production year: 1960
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (2) of The Long And The Short And The Tall

    View all
  • 3 stars out of 5

    Time hasn't been kind to this studio-bound version of a Royal Court Second World War play that originally starred Frank Finlay. The film was shatteringly powerful in its day but seems rather weak now with its lack of realistic dialogue, its palpably phoney Elstree jungle sets and the uncomfortable star performance from Richard Todd, whose well-spoken tones are overlaid with a laboured regional accent. As Bamforth, the barrack-room lawyer, an overwrought Laurence Harvey is no match for the theatre's Peter O'Toole (nor, for that matter, O'Toole's understudy, the then unknown Michael Caine), but at least both Richard Harris and Ronald Fraser bring a grimy realism to the work. This film was X-certificated on release, whereas the play is now a set text for schools.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Willis Hall's play, about a British patrol in Burma intent on killing an innocent Japanese prisoner in hysterical... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • Most helpful member's review of The Long And The Short And The Tall

    View all
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Still powerful

    I read the criticism of this movie, as to it's 'phony' sets, but to be honest one has to allow for any movies restrictions. This was a typical studio production put together by means of a shoestring and with capable actors of the day.

    I don't need to make excuses for it because the message is strong and holds it's own. The beauty of it is I can watch this film with my kids and not be stressed to explain the foul language. One day someone will pick up this excellent vehicle and remake it for a modern audience, but until then, just enjoy the sheer acting talents of the ensemble. Allow your suspension of disbelief for an afternoon.

    Like it's been said before. They don't make films like this any more, I'll let you judge if that's good or bad, but there are plenty of movies out there that are far worse. Unforgivably, they will have had a decent budget and blown it.

      • Wychwood from Huntingdon
      • Posted 07 Oct 2008 12:39

  • Most recent members' review of The Long And The Short And The Tall

    View all
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Still powerful

    I read the criticism of this movie, as to it's 'phony' sets, but to be honest one has to allow for any movies restrictions. This was a typical studio production put together by means of a shoestring and with capable actors of the day.

    I don't need to make excuses for it because the message is strong and holds it's own. The beauty of it is I can watch this film with my kids and not be stressed to explain the foul language. One day someone will pick up this excellent vehicle and remake it for a modern audience, but until then, just enjoy the sheer acting talents of the ensemble. Allow your suspension of disbelief for an afternoon.

    Like it's been said before. They don't make films like this any more, I'll let you judge if that's good or bad, but there are plenty of movies out there that are far worse. Unforgivably, they will have had a decent budget and blown it.

      • Wychwood from Huntingdon
      • Posted 07 Oct 2008 12:39

  • More like this

    View all
    Showing 1 to 4 of 20

    loading

Find cinemas


Rating breakdown

200 Member ratings
  • 100
17
  • 90
5
  • 80
31
  • 70
41
  • 60
61
  • 50
13
  • 40
12
  • 30
3
  • 20
11
  • 10
6

Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop

    • The Long And The Short And The Tall

    • The Long And The Short And The Tall
    • DVD: £6.93
      Free Delivery
    • RRP £12.79 (you save: 46%)
      • Seven British soldiers are trapped behind Japanese lines during World War II. During the long days and dangerous Malayan jungle nights, tempers are short and the tension is high. A vivid and stark ...