The Challenge
“The Matterhorn Claimed More Than Their Lives”
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.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Robert Douglas
Edward Whymper
Luis Trenker
Jean Antoine Carrel
Joan Gardner
Felicitas - His Daughter
Frank Birch
Rev. Charles Hudson
Geoffrey Wardwell
Lord Francis Douglas
Moran Caplat
Hadow
Lyonel Watts
Morris - Publisher
Mary Clare
His Mother
Fred Groves
Favre
Laurence Baskcomb
The Podesta - Mayor
Ralph Truman
Giordano
Reginald Jarman
Minister Sella
Tony Sympson
Luc Meynet
Cyril Smith
Customs Officer
Lloyd Pearson
Seiler
Violet Howard
Mrs. Seiler
Babita Soren
Mrs. Croz
Luis Gerold
Croz
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 1, 1939
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Luis Trenker, Milton Rosmer, Vincent Korda
- Screenplay & Story
- Emeric Pressburger
- Original Score
- Allan Gray
- Original Title
- The Challenge
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 16m
- Production Studios
- London Films Productions, Denham Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Luis Trenker, Milton Rosmer, Vincent Korda
Emeric Pressburger, Milton Rosmer, Patrick Kirwan
Allan Gray
Georges Périnal, Albert Benitz
Edward B. Jarvis
Alexander Korda, Günther Stapenhorst
Department Leadership Roster
Luis Trenker
Director
Emeric Pressburger
Screenplay
Milton Rosmer
Director
Georges Périnal
Director of Photography
Allan Gray
Original Music Composer
Edward B. Jarvis
Editor
Albert Benitz
Director of Photography
Alexander Korda
Producer
Günther Stapenhorst
Producer
Vincent Korda
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Challenge.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Challenge.
list4
Criterion US - Romance Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Criterion US - History Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 21, 2026.
Criterion US - Adventure Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Similar Titles to The Challenge
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
5.8
7.5
6.1
5.8
5.0
4.6
7.5
6.7
6.3
7.7
7.0
7.7
6.4
6.0
7.6
More Like The Challenge
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Challenge
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Challenge about?
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.
Who directed The Challenge?
The Challenge was directed by Luis Trenker, Milton Rosmer, Vincent Korda.
Who stars in The Challenge?
The principal cast of The Challenge includes Robert Douglas, Luis Trenker, Joan Gardner, Frank Birch, Geoffrey Wardwell.
When was The Challenge released and how long is it?
The Challenge was released in 1938 with a total runtime of 1h 16m.
Who composed the musical score for The Challenge?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Challenge was composed by Allan Gray.