BBC Drama

Galahad of Everest (1991x3)

Uitzenddatum: Dec 09, 1991

First showing on network television of this intrepid re-creation by actor Brian Blessed of George Mallory 's historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1924. Climbing mountains has been a passion for the actor - who first came to prominence in BBC's Z Cars - for most of his adult life. But last year he fulfilled his most treasured dream when, at the age of 53 he climbed part of Everest, following his boyhood hero who perished in a blizzard just 800 feet from the summit. Many preparations are needed and Captain Noel, the last survivor of the 1924 expedition, kits him out in original 20s gear. Blessed suffers from cold, altitude sickness and hallucinations but he keeps on to the summit of his ambition. This is his story and - with footage of the original expedition and diary extracts - it is also a dramatised account of the achievement which inspired him.