FrĂȘney 1961 â Adventure and Tragedy
Synopsis
On July 11, 1961, a rope team of seven menâled by the Italian Walter Bonatti and the Frenchman Pierre Mazeaudâset out to scale the FrĂȘney Pillar on the south face of Mont Blanc. After days of grueling effortâand just as they were nearing their goalâthey were trapped by a violent storm. Stranded at an altitude of over 4,500 meters in temperatures of minus 20 degrees, the seven climbers were forced to bivouac in hellish conditions. Exhausted, spent, and with one of their number injured, they displayed extraordinary solidarity, exemplary courage, and a determination that commands respect right to the very end. Yet the mountain proved cruel. Lost in fog, blinded by the darkness, and gripped by the cold, four of the seven climbers perished from exhaustion after a perilous five-day, five-night ordeal in hell. Only three made it down alive, including the Italian Walter Bonatti and the Frenchman Pierre Mazeaud.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in United States.
