Good acting and a decent script. The film has been beautifully photographed; the mountains and the nature in general are stunning, as you would expect in a Disney picture of this period. Also, it is interesting to see what early tourism in Switzerland was like, in an age before much specialist climbing equipment was available (the story is set in the 1860s). I am not rating the film higher because I found it impossible to understand the motives that were driving the characters. You get yourself into a dangerous situation, you get hurt, maybe others get hurt, too, there is danger, excitement etc. Etc. That's all very well. But for what? Enjoying the view? That is the motive one tourist mentions. Finishing what your father started? That is presented as the main motive of the central character of the story. But the actor (James MacArthur) fails to convey why this is so utterly important to him that he is willing to risk his own life and that of others just to achieve this end. In sum: the lacking depth of character is the one weak point of this otherwise very fine picture.
Review of Third Man on the Mountain
