Imagine a film so bizarre, it almost ended the career of a music legend. Sir Cliff Richard’s 'Take Me High' is that film—a so-called 'cinematic love song to Birmingham' that blends musical comedy with the dry world of local government contracts. But here’s where it gets controversial... While some celebrate its quirky charm, others argue it’s a career misstep that nearly derailed Sir Cliff’s legacy. So, was it a masterpiece ahead of its time or a strange blunder? Let’s dive in.
Released in 1973, Take Me High is a head-scratching mix of genres. City author Catherine O'Flynn describes it as 'mind-bogglingly strange,' featuring Sir Cliff piloting a hovercraft along Birmingham’s canals and inventing the now-legendary 'Brumburger.' This leads to a surreal burger-themed parade through the city—a scene so odd, it’s hard to forget. And this is the part most people miss... The film wasn’t just a flop; it marked the end of Sir Cliff’s acting career, despite his previous successes in films like The Young Ones and Summer Holiday.
On Friday night, the Mockingbird Cinema in Digbeth is screening the film, rebranded as Take Me High Bab on posters and T-shirts. Artists Tom Hicks and Dean Kelland have even created new artworks to celebrate—or perhaps redeem—this peculiar piece of cinema. But why the renewed interest? Here’s the kicker... While the film failed to revive Sir Cliff’s career, it inadvertently became a time capsule of 1970s Birmingham, showcasing landmarks like the now-demolished Brutalist library.
Now, for the controversial bit... O'Flynn suggests Sir Cliff was at a career crossroads, trying to transition from playing 'young lads' to more mature roles. But the film’s oddball plot—a banker sent to Birmingham instead of New York, who turns a barge into a luxury canal home—didn’t exactly scream 'grown-up.' Hicks adds, 'It’s a musical without hit songs and a comedy without jokes.' Ouch.
The plot thickens when Sir Cliff’s character, Tim Matthews, gets caught in a power struggle between a left-wing council leader (played by George Cole) and a capitalist businessman. His solution? Open a hamburger restaurant called Brumburger. One reviewer called it 'a cheap, weird attempt to replicate his 1960s musicals.' But here’s the question... Was it a bold creative choice or a desperate career move?
Despite its flaws, the film has gained a cult following. Kelland notes, 'It captures Birmingham’s post-war optimism as a Modernist hotspot,' while Zoe Darlington of Punks and Chancers calls it 'shonky brilliance.' Even Sir Cliff’s narrowboat bachelor pad is credited with inspiring the city’s industrial heritage revival. And this is where it gets thought-provoking... Is Take Me High a failed experiment or a misunderstood gem?
Today, Birmingham’s burger scene is booming, with gourmet pop-ups replacing parades. But the film’s legacy lives on, sparking debates about art, ambition, and redemption. So, what do you think? Is Take Me High a cinematic treasure or a cautionary tale? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, we want to know!
