Third Man on the Mountain (1959)

Nestled in 1865 Switzerland, a land of towering mountains and perilous peaks, mountain-climbing is more than just a hobby – it's a fervent passion for some, and a profitable venture for others. Wealthy foreign thrill-seekers flock to Switzerland, attempting to etch their names in history by conquering unclimbed or rarely climbed mountain summits. However, these daring quests often extract a heavy price - in gold and in lives. In the quaint Swiss hamlet of Kurtal, tucked under the ominous shadow of the infamous Citadel mountain, this risky trade thrives. The Citadel, the most treacherous peak in the region, has claimed numerous lives, remaining unconquered for 16 years. The last man to perish here was Josef Matt, a revered local guide who sacrificed his life to save his clients. Josef's son, Rudi, an 18-year-old with dreams as high as the mountains, yearns to follow in his father's footsteps, much to his family's dismay. Confined to safer tasks like dishwashing at a local motel, Rudi steals moments of thrill, venturing out to climb smaller peaks for practice. He is fueled by a local legend, whispering of a secret path to the Citadel's summit discovered by his father on his ill-fated final climb. One fateful day, while sneaking away from dishwashing duties, Rudi rescues a stranded tourist, none other than the renowned British climber, Capt. John Winter. This chance encounter kindles in Rudi hope for his dream, as the Captain shares his belief in Josef's secret pathway to the Citadel's peak. Upon their return, the Captain hires Rudi’s uncle, Franz Lerner, as a guide, persuading him to let Rudi assist as a porter. He also equips Rudi with a brand-new climbing gear, his hidden intent being to scrutinize the infamous Citadel. However, when Franz uncovers the Captain’s real intentions, he vehemently refuses the dangerous expedition, sells off Rudi's new gear, but not before Rudi’s girlfriend, Lizbeth, manages to save the hiking boots and return them to Rudi. In the coming weeks, Rudi is rigorously trained in mountain climbing by Teo Zurbriggen, Josef's former partner. His lessons are not only about climbing but also about the selfless ethos of mountain guiding. Soon, the villagers spot two figures – Capt. John Winter and Emil Saxo, a rival Swiss guide, scaling the Citadel. The next day, a third climber is seen. As Rudi is mysteriously absent from the village, speculation abounds - could the third man on the mountain be Rudi, daring to conquer the Citadel and uncover his father's secret path to the summit?

Third Man on the Mountain is an adventure movie featuring Michael Rennie.

Third Man on the Mountain is currently streaming on Disney Plus.

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