The First Ascent of The Matterhorn

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 96, 26 April 1939, Page 11

The First Ascent of The Matterhorn

REAL-LIFE DRAMA IN “THE CHALLENGE” (State: Screening Tuesday next.) “The Challenge” is taken from a real life incident of more than 70 years ago, and retells the story, part fact, part fiction, of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, which until actually climbed in 1865 was considered unconquerable. The main character in the drama was a noted English mountaineer, Edward Whymper, who with three fellow countrymen and three Swiss guides, set out from Zermatt, and raced a party of Italians starting from the Italian side to the summit. Descending, the Englishmen met with disaster. Four were killed, Whymper returning with two guides. .Scandal arose from a persistent rumour that one of the guides had cut the rope. Heading the cast of the film is Lui* Trenker, the Austrian actor-director iaraous for “The Doomed Battalion.” lie plays the role of Jean-Antoine Carrel, leader of the Italian attempt. It is Trenker’s first British film, lie made a German version of the sume subject nine years ago. The other chief character of Whymper is taken by Robert Douglas, the promising young British uctor who is at last obtaining some measure ot‘ recognition. Other leading roles are played by Joan Gardner aud Mary Glare.