The Mountain (1956)

The Mountain is directed by Edward Dmytryk and adapted to screenplay by Ranald MacDougall from the novel written by Henry Troyat. It stars Spencer Tracy, Robert Wagner, Claire Trevor, William Demarest, Barbara Darrow, Richard Arlen, E.G. Marshall and Anna Kashfi. A VistaVision/Technicolor production with music by Danielle Amfitheatrot and cinematography by Franz F. Planer.Greedy Chris Teller (Wagner) pressures his older brother, Zachary (Tracy) a retired climber, to escort him on a treacherous climb up Bald Mountain to loot the bodies of victims of a recently crashed airliner.ATTACHEZ VOS CEINTURES!Two brothers, one old, wise and saintly, the other young, flashy and despicable, these two characterisations form the basis for Edward Dmytryk's The Mountain. After the picture opens with the plane crash, which is rather well done, characters are introduced and we are left in no doubt about who is good and evil here. The mountain of the title is a constant looming presence overlooking the town, and soon enough the two very different brothers are undertaking a perilous climb up said mountain for very different reasons. The VistaVision/Technicolor photography is often sublime, the Mont-Blanc locale in France beautifully realised, and Dymtryk wrings out great suspense as the ascent for the two lads proves dangerously arduous. Then there's a turn of events that changes things, and then another, until we get to the finale where the moral is laid on heavy and the picture smugly clocks out. It's real safe and enjoyable entertainment, even if the casting of Tracy and Wagner as brothers (with 30 years between them) is most odd (why not write it as a more believable father and son axis for the film?). While some cheap studio shots seep into the production to dampen the awe built up elsewhere.Hard to dislike in spite of some flaws, and a must for mountaineer types and fans of the effortless acting style of Tracy. 7/10

Quite a classic esp for its time. The scenes are magnificent. The creation is awesome. Its another great performance by Spencer. I cant believe he cud actually carry himself like that. It's somewhat slow which makes it a bit boring but its a solid story. The twists make it interesting & also highlights the difference between the responsibility & ethics of the eldest compared to the restlessness & superficiality of the younger which does strike most families.Also the sacrifices the elder brother makes risking himself for the pleasure of the younger. Glad Chris got what he deserved. It's also funny how Zach responds to the Hindu girl esp when u can understand what she's saying! It's a good watch for a relaxed mind & esp if you like to watch something with good landscapes.

This is a really good, solid film from the 1950s American era. Spencer Tracy and Robert Wagner play two brothers who climb a mountain - but the characters and motives are very different, and there are twists in store when they reach the top.Tracy is always watchable, and this is no exception. He plays a simple man, a good climber and a deeply honourable person. His younger brother (a very beautiful-looking 26-year old Robert Wagner) is everything he isn't: greedy, lazy, shallow and petulant. The climbing scenes are terrific. Even if you aren't interested in climbing (I'm not) they are so precise and tense you will find yourself mesmerised. But it's really the actors, and the relationship between the two characters, who hold your attention.If you find this film on TV it's likely to be in the afternoon. And it's a very good way to spend a couple of hours. The cliché is unavoidable, but they really don't make them like this anymore!

This is one great film.The mountain climbing sequences are very impressively done and extremely well photographed.Tracy is amazing as the righteously moral brother and his performance is nuanced as to not make it a caricature which could have easily happened in the type of character he was asked to portray.Wagner has the more showy part as a villainous egomaniac, willing to do anything - even commit murder - to make his dreams of wealth come true.I love films that deal with mountain climbing such as the Clint Eastwood film, The Eiger Sanction, but this film even beats that one!