The 1971 International Everest Expedition was a brave venture, 24 climbers from 12 different countries tackling the world's highest mountain by its two most difficult routes.
When the attempt was eventually called off seven of the climbers had walked out, 11 had been sent home with severe illness, and one - Major Harsh Bahuguna - was dead.
What did emerge from the physical discomfort and emotional disharmony was this film, one of the most highly-praised documentaries of 1971. 'A brilliant, a candid, often icily beautiful, always humanely dramatic film,' said The Daily Telegraph.
Taking themselves and their equipment to greater heights than ever before, the film crew recorded the optimistic start, with world-class mountaineers and army of porters, the growing disenchantment and final disillusion.
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