User Reviews

Until I rented it on disc I'd never heard of 'Third Man On The Mountain' - and what a lovely surprise it was.

What's not to like? The alpine location photography, abetted by select matte paintings which, for a 1959 film, hold their own against all such in Cameron's 'Titanic,' is simply gorgeous. The solid cast gives rock-solid performances, making 'Third Man On The Mountain' a splendid Disney coming-of-age adventure animated with believable, earnest characters. Through the story's onward and upward progress Ken Annakin's gives sure-handed and sure-footed direction: he has a story to tell, and he orchestrates his actors and camera to tell it.

And, oh, I second what my Canadian cousin, "oldyale6," from up there in BC, said in his IMDb review about this film's rock-solid values (we used to call them ideals): this is most definitely a film children ought to enjoy and profit from. 'Third Man On The Mountain' is timeless worthy fare for all.

Wonderful stuff! I saw this at a school screening in 1970, noticed over the years afterwards it was seldom shown on UK TV, however never forgot it even though I was never interested in becoming a mountaineer or a sherpa when old enough. It's a simple wholesome family Disney live action adventure, today's cynical polluted generations could probably spend days poring over its stereotypes and corn and missing the point: to enjoy a harmless 107 minutes with a feelgood movie.

Young lad Rudi (James MacArthur) dreams of climbing the Matterhorn but is forced to be a hotel dishwasher instead, therefore something's got to give: you can't bottle the wind after all. He gets his chance when kindly top mountaineer Michael Rennie takes him under his wing much to his cautious uncle James Donald's disgust and later greasy guide Herbert Lom's disdain. Some splendid shots of bodies climbing impossible rocks, lovely sunny Swiss scenery and much angst between the characters leads to an admittedly rather flat conclusion, but all was well anyway. Rudi's doe eyed ever smiling girlfriend Lisbeth (Janet Munro) was perfect in her supportive role; it's always sad to recall how real life turned out so crap for her. Favourite bits: her charming meeting under her umbrella with Rudi and his boots in the rain; Rudi squeezing up the "chimney" – I nearly felt the panic. And as a sign of his parts to come I almost wished Lom had ended up stuttering and twitching!

All in all, totally inconsequential entertainment, lovely to revel in and regret that not even Planet Disney can be as wholly heartwarming any more.

This visually stunning film about the true story in the mid-19th century of a young man's need to conquer a mountain in the Swiss Alps that claimed the life of his father 16 years before is an exciting, gripping story that the entire family can enjoy. Young Rudi Matt (James MacArthur) is helped in his quest by famed British climber Captain John Winter, played by Michael Rennie, and their easy, warm chemistry also helps to make this a delightful film for all ages. If you are a fan of Michael Rennie, this film is a must-have for your collection, as his role is large and he gives a wonderful performance. If you are a fan of family adventure films, I recommend this film to you as one that your children will undoubtedly find entrancing, as will you. "Third Man on the Mountain" is a heartwarming, emotionally satisfying journey of a youth into a young man as well as an exciting story of mountain climbing in the 1800's.

Third Man On The Mountain has young James MacArthur working as a dishwasher in his uncle James Donald's hotel for tourists in Switzerland. But MacArthur longs to be a mountain climber guide as his father who was a legend in the field. The father was killed attempting a climb up a forbidding mountain outside their village some 16 years earlier.

Both Donald and MacArthur's mother Nora Swinburne keep him away from mountaineering, but he does it on his own. When he saves visiting British mountain climber Michael Rennie, Rennie becomes his champion.

Third Man On The Mountain is a fine coming of age film and it's perfectly cast. Both James MacArthur and Janet Munro were being cast in a lot of Disney films at that time and they made perfect young leads. I should also note the presence of Herbert Lom in the cast as a bragging mountaineer from another village who shames the men of MacArthur's village by accompanying Rennie on an attempt up the local Everest. He steals the film when he's on screen.

After 60 years Third Man On The Mountain holds up well and it's fine family viewing.

"Third Man on the Mountain" is a Disney live-action film which stars James MacArthur ('Danno' from "Hawaii Five-O"). It seems he was a very popular actor with Disney and made several other films, such as "Swiss Family Robinson". And, if you pay attention, you'll see MacArthur's mother (Helen Hayes) and his then wife, Joyce Bulifant.

Rudi (MacArthur) is a young Swiss man whose father was a famous mountain guide...a deceased guide. Because the man was killed while doing his job, Rudi's mother and uncle insist that he work as a dish washer at the local hotel....though he wants to be a guide just like his old man. However, when a world famous climber comes to town and Rudi saves his life, this man (Michael Rennie) wants him to accompany him on his climbs.

I must admit that this movie sports some incredible cinematography and the staged climbing scenes looked very realistic. On the other hand, I doubt if anyone will love this film unless they love mountain climbing. As for me, I found my attention drifting after a while. So, very well made and acted but also a film that might drag a bit for most viewers.

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.

I saw this film on the old Disney show back decades ago, and liked it very much, then sort of forgot about it. These days the Disney channel shows it periodically, and whenever it's on and I'm watching television, I can't help but stayed tuned to this one. For anyone who's ever climbed a mountain this movie is a treat.

The story is beyond simple: a young man in 19th century Switzerland whose father was killed trying to climb the Citadel (which is what the Matterhorn is called here) wants to become a mountaineer himself, and of course climb to the top of the Citadel, which no man has done. His mother strictly forbids it, and his uncle downright nasty to him whenever the subject comes up. Persistent fellow that he is, the boy hooks up with an English mountain climber, then coaxes his uncle to take him along on a climb, makes an ass of himself, then has a go at it again. The boy doesn't really have the maturity for the task, but persists, and in time he grows up, almost in spite of himself.

There's a larger than life quality to this movie, which was filmed on location. Director Ken Annakin, who never achieved his potential, shows himself a first-rate movie man here. The Swiss village and the looming mountains beyond convey an odd mood, as the place feels alternately dangerous, as if on the edge of the world, and beautiful, because of what one sees out the window every day. There's an intimacy between the clannish villagers, with their peculiar garb and gingerbread homes, that's caught to absolute perfection by Annakin and his crew. Everything seems real in this film; stylized as it sometimes is, it has an unmistakable ring of (admittedly Disneyfied) truth.

As to the climbing scenes, they are wonderfully photographed, with the camera seemingly in the right place at all times. One gets just close enough to experience at least some of the danger and excitement of mountain-climbing, with the camera pulling back periodically to show a larger view, invariably breathtaking. The actors are all competent. James MacArthur's non-charisma actually helps movie the picture along, as one is often more aware of who he's with than his character. He fades into the background somewhat, as young men often do, with the older, more experienced adults dominating. James Donald is brilliant as his uncle, creating a fully rounded portrait of a man who looks after his nephew, who for reasons never wholly explained, likes to belittle him. Michael Rennie is sturdy as the Englishman and Janet Munro makes a perky love interest. Herbert Lom almost steals the show as Saxo, the outsider from beyond, who also wants to climb the Citadel, and has a disagreeable disposition. He dresses differently from the others, and even wears a different sort of hat. Lom comes across as foreign, as we can see why people don't take to him in this little close-knit society.

There are few surprises in this film, but it tells its familiar and largely predictable story with great flair and feeling for the people it's about, showing once more that one can make an outstanding, maybe even great film, out of seemingly routine, even threadbare material, if one hunkers down really hard and gives it one's best shot, as clearly everyone connected with this movie did.

One of the well hidden Disney classics is Ken Annikens Third Man on the Mountains released in 1959. It stars Michael Rennie as Captain Winters who comes to a Swiss village to climb the Citadel, one of the worlds highest and most dangerous mountains and the peak that claimed the life of Rudy Matt's father, played by James McCarther. It was filmed on location in Zermatt Switzerland where the 14,000 foot Matterhorn stands. It is one of the great adventure films of all time taken from the book Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman. Very few movies have been made about mountain climbing, The Mountain with Spencer Tracy, The White Tower with Glenn Ford and The Eiger Sanction with Clint Eastwood. But Third Man on the Mountain has the most heart. All of the above films are on video tape.

'Third Man on the Mountain' just barely makes for a good film.

That's mostly thanks to the premise, which I rather like. It has an admirable message and you can't help but feel happy for the lead. However, for much of the 105 minute run time I felt quite bored as not much happens: it was talk, talk followed by climb followed by more talking. I think how well the film is shot helps overcome the sluggish parts.

The cast are pretty solid. James MacArthur is a little less wooden than he is in 1958's 'The Light in the Forest', though I don't actually mind his acting style. Michael Rennie is certainly, at least to me, the star of this. He gives a cool and charismatic performance as Winter. A few of the others are decent, but the female characters are just as pointless as you'd unfortunately expect.

I think it's the iffy pacing and lack of an in-depth storyline that are the reasons as to why I felt like it drags. Still, I did connect with Rudi's story in the end which is the point I guess.

Third Man on the Mountain ranks among the very best live-action films ever produced by Walt Disney. Period mountain-climbing film works as both a white-knuckle adventure thriller and compelling coming-of-age story. Highlights include sensational location photography and stunt work, strong character performances, terrific period detail, and a fine screenplay by Eleanore Griffin. Film takes its time establishing its characters, before building towards unusually gripping second half, where the human drama becomes as suspenseful as the high-altitude acrobatics.

Current DVD uses badly-worn elements for its source, with swarms of dirt, scratches, and ugly grain. It might, in fact, be the exact same transfer used in the 90's for the laserdisc release. Modern DVD resolution and large-screen televisions make the result unacceptable, especially for a film of this caliber. Disney Home Video needs to revisit this title and give it the respect it deserves.

Trivia: The Matterhorn ride at California's Disneyland theme park is based on the killer mountain seen in this film.

I was eight years old in 1970, when our primary school in Northern Ireland assembled all the students into the gymnasium to see "a film". The film was Third man on the Mountain. A quiet loner who detested the boredom of sports that chased an object around an enclosed playing field, I was captivated by this film, and knew that I wanted to climb. I am 43 years old now, and have spent my life climbing and enjoying the beauty of the mountains. I have just purchased this film on DVD but will wait until Christmas Eve, to see it for the first time in 35 years.

In an age where Hollywood gratifies violence, profanity, and promiscuity, caring parents would do well to, not only let their children see this great adventure story; but to sit with them and watch it as a family. As a teenager, I never once attended a 'house-party', drank, or engaged in the trash that often creates arrogant, ungrateful, and belligerent adolescents. The memory of this film never left my mind, and kept me focused in life. Honour, self discipline, respect for our elders and caring about what others think of us; as well as a great story of personal determination and effort, young people today need to be presented with the values that used to be 'normal' in society.

The real locations used in the filming provide a welcome relief from the slick, computer-animations and green-screen fakery of modern celluloid, and the climbing depictions are far, far superior to anything that has since been passed off by Hollywood, as 'mountaineering'. Having to EARN respect, working and striving for goals, personal sacrifice, and a good story: parents owe this film to their children.

Young man in 1860s Switzerland, working as a lowly dishwasher, longs to climbs The Citadel--the same treacherous mountain his beloved father died trying to scale. Live-action Disney film has colorful production, strong performances and a sincere script about following your dreams and overcoming the odds. Sturdy lad James MacArthur is well-cast in the leading role, and his shy manner and yet driven spirit is engaging; Janet Munro once again plays the proverbial Disney love-interest, but she's appealing here too, a feisty, devoted female. Based on James Ramsey Ullman's book "Banner In The Sky", and the inspiration for Disneyland's Matterhorn ride, this is a well-plotted family film that thoughtful kids should really enjoy. ***1/2 from ****

A young hotel dishwasher dreams of conquering the mountain that claimed the life of his father.

This is a strong (and at times exciting) entry into the Disney catalogue of live-action movies that combines excellent production values with a very good central character arc.

'Third Man On The Mountain' has a simple character-driven plot about the realisation of young person's ambition through a perilous adventure and his struggle for acceptance.

As you should expect with Disney, the central characters are well defined, with Rudi having a clear goal from the opening scene. Underpinning this are some great themes about being true to yourself and following your dreams in the face of adversity. At the same time it makes a point of showing that ambitions can be sacrificed in the right circumstance and highlights the greater importance of human life. Rudi's arc and the decisions he makes towards the climax of the movie are the high point.

It showcases some truly great action-adventure scenes. My heart was in my mouth watching the climbers attempt certain feats and for me this is the other great aspect of the movie. Considering it was shot in 1959 these sequences easily stand the test of time. My 5 year old daughter, who is accustomed to the spectacle of modern filmmaking, was genuinely thrilled by scenes of climbers tackling vertical or overhanging rock faces, crevasses, pinnacles, caving and their frequent brushes with death. All this is set to a beautiful alpine backdrop.

Unfortunately it suffers from uneven pacing, as the village scenes at times kill the momentum created by the suspense and excitement of the mountaineering. I think if the exchanges of dialogue between the villagers were shorter (or better) it would work, as these characters are not as interesting as Rudi's adventure.

That being said the look and feel of Kurtal is very well done. Production values are high with great sets, props, costuming and a reasonably authentic sense of period.

Performances for me are a mixed bag. James McArthur looks and acts the part of the caged young alpine adventurer. It feels almost like he's playing a version of Fritz from 'Swiss Family Robinson' in the days before they left for New Guinea. Michael Rennie has a natural charm and certain awe about him as a famous mountaineer. Janet Munro, James Donald and Herbert Lom are all good but, along with the remaining cast play relatively contrived caricatures that exist for the sake of Rudi's emotional journey.

I love the Disney live action movies, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Treasure Island and so many more. Now, I am a fan of both them and actor James Donald, so when I had a chance to watch it I jumped at the chance. What a great way to spend an evening, great story filmed in beautiful surroundings and wonderful performances. Why isn't this available more widely? I'm not going to recap the story as other reviewers have already done so. It is, however, full of tension in marvellously filmed climbing sequences, just watching it for those is worthwhile. As I said earlier, great performances from a largely British cast with every role perfectly cast, Janet Munro runs circles around the modern Disney starlets for a start, always excellent Michael Rennie and Laurence Naismith and a young and cute James MacArthur as the lead, but, as a big fan of James Donald it was fantastic to see him playing something other than a soldier or doctor and doing his usual solid and terrific job and to see him smiling broadly at the end was an added treat, what a badly underused actor he was. Anyway, enough of the fangirl, this is one worth seeking out and I hope that Disney+ will show it, after seeing The Island At The Top Of The World being shown (another favourite) I live in hope.

I saw this movie around 1962 and never forgot it. At that time I lived in a small country town and the cinema was practically our only entertainment. One weekend, Saturday, I went to see "Third Man on the Mountain" and I was completely entranced with the movie. The story touched me deeply impressed me and landscapes. It was as if, somehow, I always had that picture in mind, then, suddenly, I saw on the screen. It was an amazing experience. Back then, in my small town, the film screened on Saturday was repeated on Sunday afternoon and there I was again. In the following years I tried a lot but could not find it. Time passed. Only now fifty years later could see him again and the feeling was the same. It's a film that I bring in my heart forever.

Underrated Disney gem about a young man named Rudi (James MacArthur) in 1800s Switzerland who yearns to follow in his mountain guide father's footsteps, despite the objections of his mother and uncle. Together with a renowned British mountain climber (Michael Rennie) whose life he saved, Rudi sets out to climb the formidable mountain known as the Citadel, which is the same mountain his father died on years before.

Wonderful old-fashioned family adventure tale with a fantastic cast and some stunning photography. James MacArthur and Michael 'Klaatu' Rennie are both great. Beautiful and charming Janet Munro plays the girl in love with MacArthur. The two would reunite the following year in Swiss Family Robinson. Solid support includes James Donald, Herbert Lom, and Laurence Naismith. MacArthur's mother, Helen Hayes, has an unbilled cameo as a tourist. The story is heartwarming and positive, well-acted and directed. It's a gorgeous-looking film, shot mostly on location in Switzerland. Also some of the most exquisite matte paintings I've seen in a film. Can't stress enough how lovely it is to look at. All our CGI and green-screen hoopla can't match it. This is really a good movie and most people have probably never heard of it. Seek it out ASAP!

I was an eye witness of the shooting in Zermatt. It was impressing, though (fortunately) not comparable to movie sets nowadays. But the narrow location of the village would anyway not have allowed the giant machinery of today. I like the movie very much, though the story does not exactly correspond to the real first access to the top and the names of mountain, village and persons are fictional.

My report with photos are on the website of Michael Barrier (Disney expert in US). As Url's are not allowed, I can lead you to the site: Just type "Barrier Disney Third" in your browser.

The first climbing took place in July 1865 - the 150th anniversary is the major event in Zermatt just these days !

Third Man On The Mountain is the best Disney film of all time in my opinion. In fact it is just a great movie. Great script, fantastic scenery and story setting as well as great acting from James MacArthur, Janet Munro, James Donald, Michael Rennie, Herbert Lom, Luaurence Naismith and Ferdy Mayne. Great film. Highly recommend! Excellent mountain climbing film and the importance of teamwork to get to the top.

I saw this film as a kid and it made such a big impression that I never forgot it. Now that I've seen it again, decades later, I appreciate it even more.

There are several messages, but the one that stuck with me was that you have to follow your own path and never let your parents choose it for you, no matter how determined they may be force you to their will.

Just re-watched this after maybe 45 years because my wife hadn't seen it and tied of flicking past the other Disney+ channel trash. It actually has aged very well. A classic unlike most modern cinema.