Is Perilous Assignment Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1959)

📖 The Core Premise

Perilous Assignment returns to the screen in 1959, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary, Adventure genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. ""Perilous Assignment" is an episode of ABC's Walt Disney Presents. Disney loved to show viewers behind the scenes of the daring shoots of its theatrically released or TV shows. The theme of the episode is the making of his next film, The Third Man on the Mountain, an adaptation of James Ramsey Ullman's novel Banner in the Sky, based on the true story of the first ascent of the Matterhorn. Walt Disney will not be limited to a simple promotional making-of. He offers to meet exceptional people, including the French mountain guide Gaston Rébuffat. The latter will show climbing techniques and then reveal breathtaking images of his ascents of steep cliffs with a client for the ascent of Mont-Blanc, filmed for the occasion. In 1958, Walt Disney will therefore offer him to be deputy director on the high mountain scenes of the film "The Third Man on the Mountain"."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Gaston Rébuffat is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Perilous Assignment worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1959, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Perilous Assignment is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 48 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.