An Everest summit attempt is a high stakes gamble. This is a tale of the remarkable resolve, tenacity, courage, and determination of one man to overcome personal obstacles to become the first disabled person to conquer the summit of Everest.
Buy The Tom Whittaker Story on DVD.
Over the years, 160 people have died making the attempt; never to return from one of the harshest environments on earth. 1998 was no exception. Several experienced climbers lost their lives. Climbing Everest couldn’t be a more difficult or dangerous human undertaking, for even the strongest, healthiest, and most-experienced mountaineers. Which is why 49 year-old amputee Tom Whittaker’s record-breaking 1998 summit of Everest has been called “one of the year’s most amazing and inspiring stories.” The Tom Whittaker Story is a tale of remarkable resolve, tenacity and courage. Having failed twice before, 49 year-old amputee Tom Whittaker, missing his right foot and kneecap, sets out one more time for the “holy grail” of mountaineering. Award-winning producers Stephen Janson and M. D. Morgan take viewers on a fascinating and illuminating journey with Whittaker from beginning to end.
The film features exclusive footage shot throughout Whittaker’s incredible and difficult pilgrimage to the highest place on earth. On the mountain, repeated failures and setbacks take their toll on the team. Longstanding friendships are on the verge of breaking apart. Whittaker’s body twice betrays him. Finally, with time running out on his climbing permit, in the eleventh hour, Whittaker makes one final push for the summit. The expedition dramatically results in three major records inked in the tally books of Everest, and the human spirit’s conquest of an enduring and monumental goal sculpted in ice, snow, and cold gray rock.
Reviews
“…stunning footage… This documentary superbly captures the extensive preparation for the climb, the extreme physical hardships faced by the climbers, and the arduous acclimatization process. Technical aspects are excellent, editing is concise, and background music is used effectively and judiciously. Sure to fascinate high school students as well as adults, this program is highly recommended for both school and public libraries.” -School Library Journal
“This fascinating documentary tracks the amazing efforts of 49-year-old amputee Whittaker, who is determined to be the first disabled person to reach the summit. Incredible footage of this journey combines with aerial stills, panoramic sweeps, and close-ups of Whittaker and others painstakingly navigating the infamously dangerous mountain. Viewers hear the rasping shallow breaths of oxygen-starved mountaineers slowly working their way up slopes, over dangerous mountain passes, and across vertical fissures. Despite battling a viral infection and dehydration, the courageous Whittaker ultimately succeeds.” -Booklist
“Not only inspiring, Whittaker’s story is also gripping, as the climber undergoes the painstaking acclimatization process, suffers the effects of severe dehydration and extreme body temperature fluctuations, and fights the ever-present dangers of the mountain itself. Recommended.” Three Stars – Video Librarian
“Here shown are the repeated failures and setbacks, frayed nerves and time constraints, all concluding with one last effort leading to a dramatic and triumphant conclusion. The Tom Whittaker Story is highly recommended viewing for anyone with an interest in mountaineering, as well as inspiring for those with a disability seeking to explore and experience all that life has to offer.” -Wisconsin Bookwatch
Details
LENGTH: 1 x 50 Minutes
FORMAT: Special
CAMERA: Betacam, DV
INTERNATIONAL TRACK: Yes
TEXTLESS: Yes
CLOSED CAPTIONS: No
ASPECT RATIO: 4:3
PRODUCTION YEAR: 2001
RELEASE YEAR: 2001
SUPPLIER: Video Production Associates
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
RIGHTS TERRITORY: Worldwide
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