Release Date

01 Jan, 2002

Runtime

00:53: (HH:MM)

Synopsis

This documentary is a reconstruction, based on archive footage, testimonies, and filmed reconstructions, of the Vincendon / Henry tragedy. December 1956: Jean Vincendon and François Henry, two young mountaineers, aspire to join the High Mountain Group. Lacking experience, they set out to climb Mont Blanc via the Brenva spur in the middle of winter. The weather conditions deteriorated, and they decided to give up before meeting Walter Bonatti and Sylvano Gheser. They then decided to continue the climb and set off in two different roped parties. Bonatti decided to take refuge at the Vallot refuge higher up, rather than descend. The two young mountaineers, overcome by the poor weather conditions and fatigue, remained stuck for several days at 4,000 meters. What followed was a completely disorganized rescue operation that became, for more than ten days, a spectacle for all of France and a national tragedy.

Original Title

Les Naufragés Du Mont Blanc

Photos

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Actors

Jean Vincendon

François Henry

Claude Dufourmantelle

Lionel Terray

Walter Bonatti

Pierre Couttet

Gilbert Chappaz

Jacques Petetin

Jean Brissaud

Honoré Bonnet

Jean Minster

Louis Piraly

Olivier Pariset

Jean-Yves Berteloot

Crew

Denis Ducroz

Denis Ducroz

Denis Ducroz