Critic Shelf
Home
Discover
Sign in
Your rating
Tap a star, half steps count

Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes

His final mission: to rescue himself
May 10, 2019 · 1h 21m
No ratings yet
Documentary

PLOT

The legend of Hamish MacInnes began early. At 16 he climbed the Matterhorn. At 17 he built his first motor car – from scratch. He attempted Everest in 1953 with his friend Johnny Cunningham, and almost stole the peak before Hillary and Tenzing. As an explorer, expedition leader and engineer he achieved world fame. As inventor of the all metal ice axe, author of the International Mountain Rescue Handbook and founder of Glencoe Mountain Rescue he has been responsible for saving hundreds of lives, if not thousands. But at the age of 84, his accomplishments could not save him from being institutionalised against his will, suffering from delirium. After a spell in psychogeriatric detainment in a hospital in the Highlands of Scotland, during which he made many escape attempts – he emerged to find his memory gone. This film tells the story of his life by mirroring his greatest challenge: to recover his memories and rescue himself.

REVIEWS

View reviews

CAST

Hamish MacInnes
Self
Chris Bonington
Self
Yvon Chouinard
Self
Michael Palin
Self
Directed by Robbie Fraser

DETAILS

Status
Released
Original language
EN
Budget
—
Revenue
$24,666
Production
Magic B Films
Country
US, GB
Critic Shelf
Rate what you watch, show it on shelves, and compare taste with anyone. Film and TV data from TMDB.
ACCOUNT
Sign in
Create account
Delete account
COMPANY
About
Contact
Privacy
Terms
This product uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.
© 2026 Critic Shelf
WATCH · RATE · COMPARE