Third Man on the Mountain
by Ken Annakin
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Herbert Lom, James Donald, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Michael RennieDirector: Ken Annakin
Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 105 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-09-07
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product features:
- Based on a true story, here is the thrilling, critically acclaimed account of Rudi Matt (James MacArthur), a young kitchen worker who is determined to conquer the Citadel -- the jagged, snowcapped peak that claimed his father's life. Encouraged by both a famed English climber (Michael Rennie) and the youth's devoted girlfriend (Janet Munro), Rudi goes through a grueling training period bef
Movie Reviews of Third Man on the Mountain
Movie Review: Ignore The Complaints About The DVD Quality And Enjoy The Adventure!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie inspired me to become a mountain climber, scaling the second highest mountain in California at the age of 11. Fourteen years later (1977) I spent 10 days at the base of the Matterhorn (German words Matte, meaning meadow, and Horn, which means peak) hoping to scale the mountain of my dreams and that inspired me to climb mountains. Much to my disappointment, due to extremely hot weather causing numerous avalanches, the Matterhorn never reopened for climbing; and I never got to scale the "Citadel." As compensation, I had skied the slopes of the Matterhorn in 1975 and 1976! But in those 10 days I hiked all around the area, recognizing and enjoying even more the beauty of the Zermatt region, before hiking down river to cross over the pass used by Hannibal to cross the Alps with his elephants. Moreover, during the three years I was stationed in Germany, I managed to climb three Alps in Germany, two in Switzerland, and one in Austria--all because of "Third Man on the Mountain."
The spectacular scenery and wonderful photography of climbing and living in that scenery, are not the only wonders of this daring film. "Third Man on the Mountain" is, perhaps more so than of mountain climbing, a story about friendship, duty, honor, and self-sacrifice--all values that I assimilated into my own belief system that has guided my life. It demonstrates the codes and necessary attributes of being a mountain climber; be it professional guide or capable enthusiast. In deed, I wish more--if not most--climbers I have encountered in my life would watch and heed the morals of "Third Man on the Mountain."
It is from this value system that the movie derives the name "Third Man on the Mountain." Michael Rennie as Captain John Winter, lead by Herbert Lom as Emil Saxo--a guide from another village--and accompanied by James MacArthur as Rudi Matt and James Donald as Franz Lerner, are encamped below the final ascent, and Emil Saxo attempts to convince Franz Lerner to leave the injured Captain John Winter and climb to the top to claim the "glory" of being the first to "conquer" the mountain. But Franz will have nothing to do with it, so early the next morning Emil takes off on his own; but Rudi Matt hears him leave and follows him--also alone. Emile falls, is injured, and cynically tells Rudi to go and be the hero. But Rudi's value system prevails and he helps Emil back to the base camp. While preparing Emil for the ordeal, Franz and Captain Winter unwittingly pass by--as they cannot see Rudi and Emil below them--and successfully ascend to the top. There Captain Winter in true companionship ties a red "banner" at the peak in memory of Rudi's father and Rudi himself; for if Rudi had gone back, instead of staying with the injured Emil, Rudi would have in fact been the "Third Man on the Mountain." It is Rudi's duty, honor, and self-sacrifice, that prevent him from vanity and glory, but earn him true friends and a reputation as a true mountain climber and guide.
"Third Man on the Mountain" is the epitome of "wholesome family movies" that Walt Disney strove to make. But, please do not let this prevent you from deciding to buy/watch "Third Man on the Mountain." Please watch it because it is a wonderfully engaging movie; it is a tour of the Alps; it is about man's desire to go where others/few dare to go; it is about mountain climbing; and it is a quick glance into the culture of 1800s Switzerland and the Alps. Watch "Third Man on the Mountain" to see a movie that deserves far more attention than it gets--especially in light of all the complaints about the DVD itself. On the other hand, I must also state that in this era of high tech and fast past living, many--especially younger children--may find the pace too slow: "Third Man on the Mountain" is a movie you enjoy and enter into, not a movie that "stimulates" or "thrills" rather than engaging.
As for the "technical" complaints about the poor quality of the film in DVD format, the full screen format, and the lack of supplemental features, I can say that they are all true. But for such a great film, I can only say that it is a fool who lets that get in the way. In deed, for many of us old enough to remember, the film quality is nothing new: I have seen such "dirty" films in theaters and on television!
For a good "historical" note about the Matterhorn I recommend you look at Wickipedia to learn more about the various attempts to scale the mountain.
Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.
Summary of Third Man on the Mountain
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