Hans_Bergenthal This documentary I and my sister saw it in Amsterdam, Holland 1953. It happened in a small theater named "Ceintuurtheater". Months ago every day publications about this unique adventure. I remember the preparations before the climb. The reaching of the top was not shot. We only saw a photo and a flag. No persons.

mark.waltz On a historical day in 1953, two headlines rocked the British press. Queen Elizabeth went through her coronation, and a group of British explorers were praised for being the first humans to reach the top of Mount Everest, the highest point in the Himalayas. This documentary excellently tells the tale of their preparation, struggle and success, and does so humbly and with great care. O feel sorry for the cameraman documenting all this, as with all the others traipsing around in the bitter cold, overloaded with heavy supplies. It takes more than strong ropes, warm clothes and a heavy pick to make it there. Luck and nature must be on their side, and this doesn't leave anything to the imagination. Of course, the scenery is gorgeous, but even beautiful nature has its dangers, so there is an element of suspense. Dramatic music adds to the impact and the result is am Oscar nominated documentary that would make a great tool for showing the triumph of the human spirit in middle and high schools.

lindasfoley To know more about Griffith Pugh, the scientist who helped make the successful summit of Everest possible, read "Everest, The First Summit," written by his daughter, Harriet Tuckey. Not only will you learn about the science involved in studying physiology and the use of oxygen, you will also learn a lot about the psychology and personality of the men who participated in the historic 1953 climb.Another great resource is the book by Wade Davis, "Into the Silence,The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of Everest."The mistakes made because of unwillingness to accept new ideas and scientific resources resulted in many failed attempts and deaths in the early attempts to climb Everest. This book is a GREAT history book and psychological review of the men involved.

busterclaude Many climbers have made to the top of Mt. Everest; many with fantastic video or film. What makes this film truly extraordinary is:* This was a 1953 expedition. No one had been close to the summit; much was unknown. They had to laboriously create the path and lay the ropes&ladders used by subsequent expedition. * They didn't have the advantages of modern tent materials, climbing clothing nor gear; yet they dragged a film camera up most of the way. * Hunt, the expedition leader gives the best explaination of the climbing path and camp positions that I've seen. * The perilousness of the South Col is very evident (the expedition was delayed an extra day due to a storm). This is interesting in retrospect of the 1996 disaster where 9 people died in a stome on the South Col. It also makes me appreciate the tenacity of Beck Weathers, the Dallas physician who survived the 1996 storm with severe frostbite. * The film covers the 175 mile hike required from Katmandu to the first base camp. Now climbers just taken in by helicoptor. * The film focuses on the entire expedition team, including the Sherpas, and not just on Hillary and Norgay. It is very truly a team accomplishment ... Hillary and Norgay made it because of the assigned order of the summit assault teams; not because they were any better climbers than the other. * Great shots of - Everest with the blanket of snow blowing off its south face - Dangerous terrain - The difficulty of hiking and working at high altitudes