Climbers Mallory and Irvine die in a British assault on Mt. Everest.
The BFI's restoration does justice to a high-altitude tour de force.
Generally restored to look pristine, the film occasionally uses damaged stock and tips marvellously into the surreal.
Modern viewers may squirm at the contrast between Noel's reverent approach to the mountain and his condescension toward the Tibetan locals. But it's the chill grandeur of his images, and the mystical note in his rueful conclusion, that will linger in your mind.
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Saturday October 19, 2013, until Sunday October 20, 2013. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/