The Long and the Short and the Tall (1961)

In the unforgiving wilderness of the Malaysian jungle, circa 1942, a band of British soldiers, armed with the unconventional weaponry of recorded jungle and troop noises, embarks on a perilous mission. Their task? To divert the enemy by playing these eerie echoes of the jungle, in a brutal game of auditory deception. As their journey carries them deeper into the green abyss, they find themselves increasingly isolated, their radio signals dwindling into static whispers, replaced by the chilling clarity of a Japanese broadcast. The realization dawns upon them - they are but a stone's throw away from a Japanese encampment, a mere 10 to 15 miles separating them from the enemy. The tension within the troop is palpable, stoked by the caustic barbs of Private Bamforth, a self-proclaimed "non-hero" whose acerbic wit spares no one, least of all Corporal Johnstone, his prime target. The dynamics within the group take a dramatic turn when they capture a Japanese soldier, a development that pushes them into a vortex of moral and ethical dilemmas. As they navigate this high-stakes situation, the true nature of each man is laid bare, revealing startling insights against the backdrop of this savage wilderness. "The Long and the Short and the Tall" is a vivid exploration of humanity's struggle amidst the brutalities of warfare. It's a story where the line separating men from boys is drawn not in the sand but within the soul. This gritty tale of jungle warfare goes beyond blood, sweat, and tears, peeling back layers of courage, fear, and survival. As the plot marches towards its climax, it uncovers more than just the physical toll of war, it delves into the depths of human conscience within the throes of a torrid jungle affair.

The Long and the Short and the Tall is a drama movie featuring Laurence Harvey and directed by Leslie Norman.

The Long and the Short and the Tall is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Long and the Short and the Tall on Amazon Video.