Take Me High

Take Me High is a charming British musical-comedy film from the 1970s that captures the audience's walking an engaging line between the manic hustle of urban life and the enchanting allure of a simpler existence. Directed by David Askey, the movie features the iconic pop singer and actor Cliff Richard in the lead role, with an impressive supporting cast including the likes of Deborah Watling and Hugh Griffith.

The plot centers around Tim Matthews, played by Cliff Richard, a high-flying financier relocated from the cosmopolitan environs of London to the industrial heartland of Birmingham. Tim is a rising star in his banking corporation and is essentially tasked with the responsibility of convincing some wealthy restauranteurs to invest in a brand-new high-rise construction project in this Midlands city. Calculated and skilled, he approaches this new briefing with the same ambitious attitude.

On the other side of the spectrum is the vibrant character of Sarah, essayed by Deborah Watling. An owner of a humble water-side burger bar, Sarah is a key figure in the community who leads a contented life away from the chasing lights of the city. She loves her town and has a strong sentimental attachment to its traditional characteristics, making her quite opposed to the looming possibilities of commercialization and architectural modernization.

Interestingly, life brings Tim and Sarah's paths to cross, introducing a hint of romance into the story. As sparks fly, the movie beautifully delves into the contrasts between their worldviews and lifestyles. Relationships, ambitions, and loyalties are tested, creating a rich narrative that balances business intrigue with the softer undertones of romance.

Hugh Griffith offers a standout performance in his role as the eccentric millionaire and restaurateur Sir Harry Cunningham. Griffith adds an engaging quirkiness to this comedy, providing the auxiliary push to the plot dynamics. Yet it’s the sharp adaptive arguments over the potential transformation of the town and the clash of personal sentiments that truly drive the film forward, complimented by the blossoming love story between the lead characters.

Music is a central pillar in Take Me High. The film features multiple sprung musical numbers, cleverly interwoven into the narrative. Shortly after its release, Take Me High achieved musical fame, with the title song reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart. With Cliff Richard perfectly maneuvering between his acting and singing duties, the film offers an excellent showcase of his versatility and charm. The original OSTs will remain etched in memory long after you’ve finished the movie, with Richard delivering one hit number after the other.

The settings and cinematography of Take Me High beautifully capture the pulse of 1970s Birmingham. It creates a vivid juxtaposition between the charm of the waterfront community around Brindleyplace and the ambitious high-rising vision proposed for the same area. It is equal parts a love letter to the city and a critique of urban development, making it more than just a simple musical comedy.

Take Me High is a film that offers viewers an interesting comingling of genres. It beautifully amalgamates comedy, romance, and musical elements, culminating in a genuinely unique viewing experience. While the story's heart beats with an evident vein of cultural commentary on urban development and the tug-of-war between tradition and progression, it's the songs that provide the soulful pulse.

Casual viewers, film enthusiasts, business minds looking for some light-hearted fun, or simply music lovers can all find something to appreciate in Take Me High. It is a fun, hearty, and occasionally thought-provoking movie that captures a snapshot of a particular time and place in British culture, underlined by timeless musical moments that remain as wonderful today as they were back in 1973.