When a large plane crashes just below the summit of Bald Mountain, rescue parties are formed to climb to the disaster. The aircraft was on a routine flight from Calcutta to Paris when something unexpected caused the flight to crash. Each moment means less possibility of survivors. Within the community near the mountain is Zachary Teller (Spencer Tracy), an older man who spends his days looking after sheep. Zachary was once a mountain guide until someone had a tragic accident while under his care. Since the incident, Zachary has not been interested in mountain climbing; instead, he wants to live a peaceful life, though his name remains a rock-climbing legend.
When rumours begin to surface in the community that the crashed plane may have been transporting gold, Zachary’s younger brother, Chris (Robert Wagner), is interested. Since Chris was born, Zachary has always looked after him as a big brother. But Chris is not content to lead a quiet, pastoral life. He is keen to gain riches, escape debt, and move on to something more remarkable. Chris pleads with Zachary to climb the mountain and look for gold with him. At the very least, Chris is convinced that there will be wealth by collecting the many belongings of those dead. At first, Zachary is disgusted and has no interest in climbing. But Chris is not changing his mind and is, in fact, so determined that he will climb on his own. Because Chris isn’t anywhere near as experienced as he is, Zachary eventually agrees to go with him. It’s been ten years since Zachary has set foot on the mountain, and now he and his selfish brother are about to embark on a vast journey. However, the mountain and the crash site are filled with surprises for Zachary and Chris. Can Zachary and Chris survive the ultimate climb and return to safety?
The Mountain(1956) is a drama and adventure film directed by Edward Dmytryk. It takes a while to get underway, and there’s plenty of banter and disagreements between siblings Zachary and Chris. As a character, Zachary is easily the more likable of the two leads. He’s wise, experienced, and thinks before he acts. Chris, however, is selfish and spoilt, continually making demands that only benefit himself and often behaving like a small child having tantrums.
[mailerlite_form form_id=1]The film is most exciting when the second act commences, and we see both Zachary and Chris climbing the mountain and dealing with the many challenges and hurdles along the way. The finale and outcomes are predictable, but the character developments and drama are the most significant standouts. Given the age of the film, some effects are apparent, but still, for its time, you cannot help but admire the film’s creativity and passion for presenting an adventure.
Overall, The Mountain presents a classic adventure as audiences witness two brothers trying to climb high and investigate a plane crash. The drama, the characters’ choices, and the many surprises and hurdles they face while climbing are more enjoyable than the adventure itself. Granted, the film takes a little while to get underway, and elements such as the conclusion are apparent and predictable. Actor Spencer Tracy, as Zachary, is likable and performs excellently here. Given the age of this film, it’s great to see that it remains enjoyable and impressive, and its creativity in displaying the risks and dangers of mountain climbing is stunning.
6.4/10
18th February 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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