Verdict:The Long and the Short and the Tall is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.8/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the War, Comedy, Drama genre.
Answer: Yes, The Long and the Short and the Tall is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1961, The Long and the Short and the Tall enters the War genre with a narrative focused on Based on a play by Willis Hall. Under the direction of Leslie Norman, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Laurence Harvey, Richard Todd, Richard Harris. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, The Long and the Short and the Tall offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, The Long and the Short and the Tall resonates with current cultural themes in the War space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, The Long and the Short and the Tall is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of The Long and the Short and the Tall centers on a unique premise within the War landscape. Based on a play by Willis Hall. A troop of British soldiers are out in the jungle to record jungle noises and troop noises in the jungle so that the recordings can be played back by other troops to divert the enemy to their whereabouts. As they progress to what they think is closer to the base camp they find themselves farther and farther from radio range until the only channel they can get clearly is that of a Japanese broadcast. They now realize they are probably only 10 to 15 miles from a Japanese camp! The tension is added to by rowdy and openly admitted "non-hero" Private Bamforth who has nothing good to say about anyone and especially Corporal Johnstone (who holds an equal dislike for Bamforth). When a Japanese soldier is taken as their prisoner, the true colours of each man comes to the surface The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1961 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of The Long and the Short and the Tall has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Long and the Short and the Tall sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for The Long and the Short and the Tall (1961): with an audience rating of 6.8/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of War, Comedy, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Long and the Short and the Tall stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1961 cinematic year.
The Long and the Short and the Tall has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
The Long and the Short and the Tall is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of War, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
The Long and the Short and the Tall is a War, Comedy, Drama movie that Based on a play by Willis Hall. A troop of British soldiers are out in the jungle to record jungle noises and troop noises in the jungle so that the r...
The Long and the Short and the Tall has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
The Long and the Short and the Tall is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of War, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
The Long and the Short and the Tall is a War, Comedy, Drama movie that Based on a play by Willis Hall. A troop of British soldiers are out in the jungle to record jungle noises and troop noises in the jungle so that the r...
Yes, The Long and the Short and the Tall is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the War, Comedy, Drama genre.
You can find streaming options and availability for The Long and the Short and the Tall on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
The Long and the Short and the Tall features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of The Long and the Short and the Tall are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Powerful war drama. This film is IMO, the greatest war film ever made, and maybe the greatest film. Seven UK soldiers in WW2 find themselves in a predicament they didn't expect. They were supposed to run a "test" so to speak, and not see real action. That's why four of the seven are not trained properly for the action they later find. The other three are more professional, but misfits. The characters are quite credible. There is more than what one sees on the surface. The leader, played by Richard Todd, seems calm and cool, but we learned he lost an earlier troop of three men who died under his command. That's the real story, but it takes a few viewings to figure it out. His second in command, played by Richard Harris, is a bully. The third professional soldier, played by Ronald Frasier, is a Scotsman in an integrated group. It appears that all four of the countries are represented. The main character is Bamforth, played by Laurence Harvey. He goes from antagonist to protagonist, and when these soldiers caputre a very meek and old Japanese soldier, Bamforth at first is ready to kill the prisoner, but later becomes the only one who speaks out to save the prisoner's life. They are in close quarters, so for one soldier to shoot the prisoner is not an option, because more than likely, one of the other soldiers would get shot. As the war drama progresses, we find that the Japanese have other soldiers close by, and we see how the leader lost his earlier patrol. He seems to be rational on the outside, but he makes decisions that can cost them all their lives. At the end, an ironic fate awaits every soldier.
