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Documentary / Making Of
How they climbed the Old Man of Hoy
John Gray (1967)
A making of the live broadcast of the ascent of the Old Man of Hoy. In July of 1967, 15 million people watched one of the most audacious BBC outside broadcasts ever undertaken - the climbing of the 'Old Man of Hoy'. This is an account of how the BBC-1 television programme was organised, together with recordings made during the broadcast, and interviews with those who helped to make it possible as well as those who did the actual climb.How they climbed the Old Man of Hoy
- 1967
- UK
- 25 min
A making of the live broadcast of the ascent of the Old Man of Hoy. In July of 1967, 15 million people watched one of the most audacious BBC outside broadcasts ever undertaken - the climbing of the 'Old Man of Hoy'. This is an account of how the BBC-1 television programme was organised, together with recordings made during the broadcast, and interviews with those who helped to make it possible as well as those who did the actual climb.Climbing locations
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Documentary / Live Broadcast
Le Cervin en direct
Walter Pluess (1965)
A climb to mark the 100th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, live on TV. The programme, a coproduction of the Swiss, French, Italian and British televisions, was shown throughout Europe, in the United States and in Japan in a series of 5 broadcasts between 8 and 16h. This film, by the Swiss television, is a summary of the live broadcasts in a in a single program. Ian McNaught-Davis roped with the guide Heinrich Taugwalder and Jean Juge with Robert Bichler narrate the ascent while they climb by the original Whymper route. They follow the progression of Michel Darbellay and Hilti von Allmen who climb the north face by the Schmidt route. The program ends when all the teams meet at the summit.- 1965
- Switzerland
- 31 min
A climb to mark the 100th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, live on TV. The programme, a coproduction of the Swiss, French, Italian and British televisions, was shown throughout Europe, in the United States and in Japan in a series of 5 broadcasts between 8 and 16h. This film, by the Swiss television, is a summary of the live broadcasts in a in a single program. Ian McNaught-Davis roped with the guide Heinrich Taugwalder and Jean Juge with Robert Bichler narrate the ascent while they climb by the original Whymper route. They follow the progression of Michel Darbellay and Hilti von Allmen who climb the north face by the Schmidt route. The program ends when all the teams meet at the summit.Climbing locations
Availability
Watch Free -
Documentary / Live Broadcast
En direct du Cervin
(1965)
A climb to mark the 100th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, live on TV. The programme, a coproduction of the Swiss, French, Italian and British televisions, was shown throughout Europe, in the United States and in Japan in a series of 5 broadcasts between 8 and 16h. This film is the reedited version by the french televison of all the broadcasts in a single program. Ian McNaught-Davis roped with the guide Heinrich Taugwalder and Jean Juge with Robert Bichler narrate the ascent while they climb by the original Whymper route. They follow the progression of Michel Darbellay and Hilti von Allmen who climb the north face by the Schmidt route. All them meet at the summit. Michel Vaucher, Yvette Vaucher and Othmar Kronig who were also ascending the north face are interviewed, and the program ends with the television teams descending the mountain. Ettore Bich and Paul Etter were ascended by the italian side.
- 1965
- France, Italy, Switzerland, UK
- 43 min
A climb to mark the 100th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, live on TV. The programme, a coproduction of the Swiss, French, Italian and British televisions, was shown throughout Europe, in the United States and in Japan in a series of 5 broadcasts between 8 and 16h. This film is the reedited version by the french televison of all the broadcasts in a single program. Ian McNaught-Davis roped with the guide Heinrich Taugwalder and Jean Juge with Robert Bichler narrate the ascent while they climb by the original Whymper route. They follow the progression of Michel Darbellay and Hilti von Allmen who climb the north face by the Schmidt route. All them meet at the summit. Michel Vaucher, Yvette Vaucher and Othmar Kronig who were also ascending the north face are interviewed, and the program ends with the television teams descending the mountain. Ettore Bich and Paul Etter were ascended by the italian side.Climbing locations
Availability
Video on Demand -
Documentary / Biographical
Bonington - Mountaineer
Keith Partridge (2017)
The film retraces the life of one of the world’s best-known mountaineers, Sir Chris Bonington, from his rock climbing days in the UK to visionary ascents on the peaks of the Himalayas. Stories of friendship, love, risk and loss run deep through this intimate journey of one man’s dream. The drive for exploration is echoed in the first British ascent of the north wall of the Eiger, new routes on Mont Blanc and the ascent of ‘The Old Man of Hoy’, along with the virgin summits of Annapurna 2, Nuptse, The Ogre and the Central Tower of Paine.- 2017
- UK
- 79 min
The film retraces the life of one of the world’s best-known mountaineers, Sir Chris Bonington, from his rock climbing days in the UK to visionary ascents on the peaks of the Himalayas. Stories of friendship, love, risk and loss run deep through this intimate journey of one man’s dream. The drive for exploration is echoed in the first British ascent of the north wall of the Eiger, new routes on Mont Blanc and the ascent of ‘The Old Man of Hoy’, along with the virgin summits of Annapurna 2, Nuptse, The Ogre and the Central Tower of Paine.Climbing locations
Availability
DVD / BLU-RAY Video on Demand -
Documentary / Portrait
Joe a profile of a mountaineer
Stanley Williamson (1968)
Portrait of British mountaineer Joe Brown, who demonstrates his climbing technique and discusses his philosophy of climbing. The film was shot in and around Llanberis, where he lives, and on the cliffs of South Stack Lighthouse in Anglesey. Brown is regarded as the outstanding pioneering English rock climber of the 1950s and early 1960s. He established an unprecedented number of classic new routes in Snowdonia and the Peak District that were at the leading edge of the hardest grades. He made the first ascent of Kangchenjunga in 1955 and and other big achievements in the Alps and Himalayas.Joe a profile of a mountaineer
- 1968
- UK
Portrait of British mountaineer Joe Brown, who demonstrates his climbing technique and discusses his philosophy of climbing. The film was shot in and around Llanberis, where he lives, and on the cliffs of South Stack Lighthouse in Anglesey. Brown is regarded as the outstanding pioneering English rock climber of the 1950s and early 1960s. He established an unprecedented number of classic new routes in Snowdonia and the Peak District that were at the leading edge of the hardest grades. He made the first ascent of Kangchenjunga in 1955 and and other big achievements in the Alps and Himalayas.Climbing locations
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Documentary / Expedition Journal
Towers of temptation
Leo Dickinson (2013)
This is the story of two expeditions to two mountains, one in Argentina the other in Chile. Despite being twelve years apart, one man went on both trips. Don Whillans was an icon of British climbing in the 50s and 60s and his routes are still test pieces today.- 2013
- UK
- 50 min
This is the story of two expeditions to two mountains, one in Argentina the other in Chile. Despite being twelve years apart, one man went on both trips. Don Whillans was an icon of British climbing in the 50s and 60s and his routes are still test pieces today.Climbing locations
Availability
DVD / BLU-RAY -
Documentary / Expedition Journal
The Towers of Paine
Leo Dickinson (2007)
Leo Dickinson’s re-editing of the classic first ascent of the Central Tower of Paine in Patagonia, filmed by Vic Bray. The 44-year-old original footage was salvaged from a loft and shows Chris Bonington and Don Whillans in action. Readings from Don’s journal add depth and a recreation of a double rope snapping incident adds the necessary spice. What marks this film apart is the film stock which makes the image seem to glow and the leisurely pace Leo has treated the edit. It makes a refreshing contrast to many contemporary films and modern digital filmmakers could be well served by taking note.- 2007
- UK
- 26 min
Leo Dickinson’s re-editing of the classic first ascent of the Central Tower of Paine in Patagonia, filmed by Vic Bray. The 44-year-old original footage was salvaged from a loft and shows Chris Bonington and Don Whillans in action. Readings from Don’s journal add depth and a recreation of a double rope snapping incident adds the necessary spice. What marks this film apart is the film stock which makes the image seem to glow and the leisurely pace Leo has treated the edit. It makes a refreshing contrast to many contemporary films and modern digital filmmakers could be well served by taking note.Climbing locations
Availability
DVD / BLU-RAY -
Documentary / Live Broadcast
The Anglesey climb
Philip Gilbert (1970)
In August 1970 a spectacular rock climb was televised live on BBC in color. Seven climbers attempted three different routes on the cliffs of Anglesey. The event, presented by Christopher Brasher was transmitted live through 4 connections over the course of 31st of august. The routes climbed were: Spider's Web, by Joe Brown and Ian McNaught-Davis; Wen Slab, by Peter Crew and Don Whillans; and Tyrannosaurus Rex, by Laurie and Les Holliwell, and Janet Rogers. This was the first color live climbing program on BBC, following on from the success of earlier programs such as the ascent of the Old Man of Hoy in 1967.- 1970
- UK
- 40 min
In August 1970 a spectacular rock climb was televised live on BBC in color. Seven climbers attempted three different routes on the cliffs of Anglesey. The event, presented by Christopher Brasher was transmitted live through 4 connections over the course of 31st of august. The routes climbed were: Spider's Web, by Joe Brown and Ian McNaught-Davis; Wen Slab, by Peter Crew and Don Whillans; and Tyrannosaurus Rex, by Laurie and Les Holliwell, and Janet Rogers. This was the first color live climbing program on BBC, following on from the success of earlier programs such as the ascent of the Old Man of Hoy in 1967.Climbing locations
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Documentary / Live Broadcast
Men against the Matterhorn
Alan Chivers (1965)
A climb to mark the 100th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, live on TV. The program, a co-production of the Swiss, French, Italian and British televisions, was shown throughout Europe, in the United States and in Japan in a series of 5 broadcasts between 8 and 16h. This film is the re-edited version by the BBC of all the broadcasts in a single program. Ian McNaught-Davis roped with the guide Heinrich Taugwalder and Jean Juge with Robert Bichler narrate the ascent while they climb by the original Whymper route. They follow the progression of Michel Darbellay and Hilti von Allmen who climb the north face by the Schmidt route. All them meet at the summit.- 1965
- UK
- 50 min
A climb to mark the 100th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, live on TV. The program, a co-production of the Swiss, French, Italian and British televisions, was shown throughout Europe, in the United States and in Japan in a series of 5 broadcasts between 8 and 16h. This film is the re-edited version by the BBC of all the broadcasts in a single program. Ian McNaught-Davis roped with the guide Heinrich Taugwalder and Jean Juge with Robert Bichler narrate the ascent while they climb by the original Whymper route. They follow the progression of Michel Darbellay and Hilti von Allmen who climb the north face by the Schmidt route. All them meet at the summit.Climbing locations
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Documentary / Expedition Journal
Land of mist and fire
Leo Dickinson (1978)
The Patagonian ice cap, situated on the southern tip of South America, must be one of the world's least explored places. This is quite understandable because it consists of twenty-four square kilometers of crevassed ice swept by wind and snowstorms. Welshman Eric Jones, Mick Coffey, and cameraman Leo Dickinson trekked across this remote, dangerous land to climb Cerro Lautaro, a volcano in the middle of the ice field. Despite being held up by bad weather for two weeks, Jones, Coffey, and Dickinson eventually scaled the previously unclimbed Cerro Lautaro and another peak they named Cerro Mimosa.- 1978
- UK
- 52 min
The Patagonian ice cap, situated on the southern tip of South America, must be one of the world's least explored places. This is quite understandable because it consists of twenty-four square kilometers of crevassed ice swept by wind and snowstorms. Welshman Eric Jones, Mick Coffey, and cameraman Leo Dickinson trekked across this remote, dangerous land to climb Cerro Lautaro, a volcano in the middle of the ice field. Despite being held up by bad weather for two weeks, Jones, Coffey, and Dickinson eventually scaled the previously unclimbed Cerro Lautaro and another peak they named Cerro Mimosa.Climbing locations
Availability
DVD / BLU-RAY -
Documentary / Biographical
Don Whillans - Myth and legend
Leo Dickinson (2006)
Don Whillans was one of the leading rock climbers of his generation. This film examines Don’s gritstone horrors, his hard routes in Wales, then follows him to the Alps and beyond on several of his epic expeditions. But it also focuses on Don’s unique humor, his devastating oneliners that pricked pomposity wherever he found it and poked fun at those who deserved it. Don may have died 20 years ago but the myth surrounding Whillans can still be heard whenever climbers reminisce about a time when hard men were hard and legends were being made. Perhaps his partner Joe Brown best sums him up, 'Don was unique'.Don Whillans - Myth and legend
- 2006
- UK
- 80 min
Don Whillans was one of the leading rock climbers of his generation. This film examines Don’s gritstone horrors, his hard routes in Wales, then follows him to the Alps and beyond on several of his epic expeditions. But it also focuses on Don’s unique humor, his devastating oneliners that pricked pomposity wherever he found it and poked fun at those who deserved it. Don may have died 20 years ago but the myth surrounding Whillans can still be heard whenever climbers reminisce about a time when hard men were hard and legends were being made. Perhaps his partner Joe Brown best sums him up, 'Don was unique'.Climbing locations
Availability
DVD / BLU-RAY -
Documentary / Live Broadcast
Climb of Red Wall
Alan Chivers (1966)
In April 1966, the BBC broadcast a live program showing Joe Brown, Tom Patey, Ian McNaught-Davis, Chris Bonington, Tom Patey, and the American Royal Robbins climbing of the awesome sea-cliffs of Gogarth on Anglesey. The climb was transmitted live through 3 connections over the course of 9th of April as part of the long-running Saturday afternoon sports strand, Grandstand. The vertical wall, composed of unreliably loose rock and guarded by guillemots and seagulls, proved to be a true test for the climbers. The cliff plunges directly into the sea and to climb up it required descending a rope, finding footholds near the bottom and then locating a viable route up the face.- 1966
- UK
In April 1966, the BBC broadcast a live program showing Joe Brown, Tom Patey, Ian McNaught-Davis, Chris Bonington, Tom Patey, and the American Royal Robbins climbing of the awesome sea-cliffs of Gogarth on Anglesey. The climb was transmitted live through 3 connections over the course of 9th of April as part of the long-running Saturday afternoon sports strand, Grandstand. The vertical wall, composed of unreliably loose rock and guarded by guillemots and seagulls, proved to be a true test for the climbers. The cliff plunges directly into the sea and to climb up it required descending a rope, finding footholds near the bottom and then locating a viable route up the face.Climbing locations
