This film is part of Free
Climbing Mount Everest
A fascinating glimpse into life at high altitude for the party of the Mount Everest Expedition 1933 which intended, but ultimately failed to summit Everest.
Overview
The Mount Everest Expedition 1933 was the third British attempt to reach the summit. This footage sheds light on the everyday life and daily activities of the expedition. Above all the camaraderie and frivolity of the group shines through, as they prepare to tackle the mountain. Includes scenes of the approach, camps, Shekar Dzong, the East Rongbuk Glacier and climbing attempts.
Under the leadership of Hugh Ruttledge the team included Jack Longland, Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, Percy Wyn-Harris, Raymond Greene, Lawrence Wager and a group of Sherpa Tigers including Nima Tendrup (who had taken part in all of the 1920s expeditions). Although the expedition may have failed in its goal to summit the peak, climbers Lawrence Wager, Percy Wyn-Harris and Frank Smythe reached an impressive 28,126 feet setting an altitude record for climbing without the aid of oxygen; a record that was not broken until 1978. This attempt also led to the discovery of Andrew Irvine’s ice axe at 27,690 feet.
Related
East Nepal East Nepal
1961 72 mins Silent
Film taken by Tom Spring Smyth during the British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962.
Amazon; Dr Hamilton Rice Amazon; Dr Hamilton Rice
1926 91 mins Silent
Take a journey with Dr Hamilton Rice as he embarks on his final expedition of the easterly tributaries of the Amazonian basin.
The Conquest of Everest The Conquest of Everest
Documentary 1953 78 mins
Colour film (narrated by Meredith Edwards) telling the story of the ‘Mount Everest Expedition 1953’, which saw the first successful ascent of the mountain.
Scenes from Around the World Scenes from Around the World
Amateur film 1947 9 mins Silent
Short colour, silent, compilation of unedited film footage giving a snapshot of life in various countries in the year 1947.
Nine Countries in Ninety Minutes Nine Countries in Ninety Minutes
Travelogue 1937 63 mins Silent
Amateur film travelogue of a journey around various parts of the world in 1937, by Frances Hotham F.R.G.S, A.R.P.S.
Tanzania Tanzania
1969 16 mins Silent
A colour film of African wildlife by the ‘Ker, Downey and Selby Safari Company’, set up by Donald Ker, Sydney Downey and Harry Selby.
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.