The Conquest of Everest

(1953)

78 minutes

Directed by George Lowe

Narrator: Meredith Edwards

Country: Great Britain

Film / Documentary / Adventure / Foreign

Many climbers have made it to the top of Mt. Everest. And many have taken fantastic video or film. What makes this film truly extraordinary is that this was a 1953 expedition. No one had been close to the summit and it was very much unknown. The climbers and guides had to laboriously create the path and lay the ropes and ladders used by subsequent expeditions. They didn't have the advantages of modern tent materials, climbing clothing, nor light weight gear, and yet they dragged a film camera up most of the way. Hunt, the expedition leader, gives a fantastic description and explanation of the climbing path and camp positions. The peril and danger of the South Col is very evident. This is indeed a remarkable story very well told with drama and emotion as well as great respect for the risks taken by all involved.