When depicting two sword combatants running at each other to engage, Cinema often shows them running with their sword out front, sheathed until the split second before contact. Is there any evidence that this practice was normal and if so what advantage did it provide?

by Hav3_Y0u_M3t_T3d

Magrusem

Can you clarify, are you talking about European or Eastern swordsmanship? Any idea on the vague period/type of sword you're interested in?

Kawagatam

Consider asking on r/swords as they have a lot of experts on both swordsmanship and depictions of swordsmanship in the media. Only downside is that an answer from that subreddit will probably not be as well sourced as an answer on this one.