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Everest 1936 - Ruttledge

Footage from the ‘Mount Everest Expedition 1936’, which was led by Hugh Ruttledge.

1936 19 mins Silent

Overview

This black and white film records the Mount Everest Expedition of 1936. Opens with scenes of mountain goats, and shows Tibetans dancing and playing games. The film includes stunning views of Everest and Rongbuk Monastery, including the Chief Lama, along with scenes showing Base Camp and ice pinnacles of the East Rongbuk Glacier. The extreme weather conditions encountered are palpable, as mountaineers and Sherpas struggle to climb in heavy snow and winds.

This expedition was led by Hugh Ruttledge, with mountaineers Eric Shipton, Frank Smythe, Percy Wyn-Harris, Edwin Kempson, Dr. Charles Warren, Edmund Wigram, Peter Oliver and James Gavin. The party also included Tenzing Norgay. This was a very well-equipped expedition, which included oxygen and radio equipment. The expedition was defeated by severe weather conditions, which included heavy snow and an early monsoon at the end of May.