Third Man on the Mountain
Third Man on the Mountain

Third Man on the Mountain

1959Movie105 minEnglish

Famous British mountaineer Winter wants to climb a difficult summit, the Citadel. He goes to a small village but no guide wants to accompany him. A young man from the village, Rudi Matt, whose father died fifteen years earlier during an attempt to climb the Citadel, is determined to accompany him, with the help of his uncle. Winter also manages to hire a guide from a neighboring village and competitor, Emil Saxo. The roped party of four men then begins the ascent of the still untouched summit.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Ken AnnakinGenres: Adventure, Family, Drama

Plot Summary

In the Swiss Alps, a young man named John discovers a lost climbing party and is inspired to conquer the treacherous "Dragon's Tooth" mountain, a peak his father died trying to ascend. Despite his mother's fears and the skepticism of the local mountaineering community, John trains rigorously. He faces numerous challenges and dangers, including treacherous weather and rival climbers, as he pursues his dream of reaching the summit.

Critical Reception

Third Man on the Mountain was generally well-received as a charming family adventure film, praised for its scenic beauty and exciting mountain climbing sequences. While not a critical darling, it provided wholesome entertainment and was considered a solid entry in the adventure genre for its time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning cinematography of the Swiss Alps.
  • Appreciated for its adventurous spirit and thrilling climbing scenes.
  • Seen as a wholesome and engaging family-friendly film.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this film is limited, but it is generally regarded as a classic Disney adventure film that holds up well for its target audience.

Fun Fact

The film famously features a thrilling avalanche sequence, achieved through innovative special effects for its time, including the use of cotton, salt, and shredded foam rubber.

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