The Challenge(1938)
The Matterhorn Claimed More Than Their Lives
The Challenge Synopsis
During an early, unsuccessful attempt at climbing the Matterhorn, Edward Whymper finds himself rescued by an italian guide, Jean Antoine Carrel. The two men quickly build a friendship and agree to reach the peak together. However, local villagers ploto to divide the alliance of Whymper and Carrel and both men join rival teams as they set out in a race to conquer the mountain. A mountaineering drama based on the novel by Carl Haensel and inspired in the dramatic true story of Edward Whymper, who led the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. There is another version of the film titled Der Berg Ruft, shot the same year in German.
The Challenge (1938) is a romance, adventure, history and drama film directed by Luis Trenker, released on May 9, 1938 with a runtime of 1h 16m. It stars Robert Douglas, Luis Trenker, Joan Gardner and Frank Birch. Viewers rate it 6.3 out of 10 across 9 ratings.
- Director:
- Luis Trenker
- Writers:
- Emeric Pressburger, Milton Rosmer, Patrick Kirwan
- Producers:
- Alexander Korda, Günther Stapenhorst
- Cinematographer:
- Georges Périnal
- Composer:
- Allan Gray
- Production:
- London Films Productions, Denham Films
- Status:
- Released
The Challenge Cast & Crew
Main cast
Robert Douglas
as Edward Whymper
Luis Trenker
as Jean Antoine Carrel
Joan Gardner
as Felicitas - His Daughter
- Frank Birch
Frank Birch
as Rev. Charles Hudson
- Geoffrey Wardwell
Geoffrey Wardwell
as Lord Francis Douglas
- Moran Caplat
Moran Caplat
as Hadow
- Lyonel Watts
Lyonel Watts
as Morris - Publisher
Mary Clare
as His Mother
Fred Groves
as Favre
- Laurence Baskcomb
Laurence Baskcomb
as The Podesta - Mayor
Ralph Truman
as Giordano
- Reginald Jarman
Reginald Jarman
as Minister Sella
Key crew
Directed by Luis Trenker, written by Emeric Pressburger, Milton Rosmer and Patrick Kirwan, produced by Alexander Korda and Günther Stapenhorst.
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The Challenge Reviews & Ratings
Average viewer score of 6.3/10 from 9 ratings.
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The Challenge – Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Challenge online?
+
The Challenge (1938) is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Streaming availability is checked against JustWatch data and can change by region.
Who stars in The Challenge?
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The main cast of The Challenge (1938) includes Robert Douglas, Luis Trenker, Joan Gardner, Frank Birch and Geoffrey Wardwell. The film was directed by Luis Trenker. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
When was The Challenge released?
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The Challenge was released on May 9, 1938 and runs for 1h 16m.
Is The Challenge worth watching?
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The Challenge (1938) holds an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from 9 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy romance, adventure and history films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.