Climb an Angry Mountain

I'm surprised that this is the first time this film has been reviewed. I wonder if it's because it is difficult to obtain or because viewers are indifferent at the mention of Fess Parker (in my opinion a very underrated actor but then I was a "Davy, Davy Crockett" fan).

This was Fess's last movie appearance, okay it's a TV movie but it's a whole lot better than the many hundreds of cinema released films of that year.

Made in 1972, the story (without revealing too much) is the old chestnut of two lawmen having to put their differences aside to locate an escaped fugitive( akin to 80's 'Deadly pursuit' & the Cimino film 'Sunchaser').

It is the cast that makes this variation work, Fess Parker retains his age well as the easy going, level headed Sheriff Elisha Cooper who is relentless in capturing his quarry. Barry Nelson is quirky as the city detective lost in the wilderness ways. Arthur Hunnicutt (seasoned veteran), Stella Stevens (Cable Hogue) and Mary Dusay offer staunch support in their roles but special mention must go to Joe Kapp(ex American footballer) as the tortured convict who displays desperation and apathy mixed with terror and menace in his brutish ways and finally Clay o' Brien, a strong performance as the unnecessary hostage.

A nice touch at the start has Fess, shown as a father instead of the Sheriff, with his children conveying tenderness to his fragile daughter.

Is this the only film to have two actors who have portrayed Davy Crockett acting together?

If you have a chance to view this film, take it!

"Climb an Angry Mountain" is a true showcase for Fess Parker, shown here at his rugged best. His sensitive sheriff performance is only enhanced by contrast with Barry Nelson's abrupt, abrasive, cop character. Joe Kapp is the real surprise however as the fugitive Indian. His portrayal of a child like ex Marine is terrific. Stela Stevens looks great, as does the Mount Shasta snow covered landscape. This is really a good TV movie, and contains no nudity or off color language. The film opens with a diesel train plowing through a blizzard which emphasizes the wintry setting perfectly. Though difficult to find, "Climb an Angry Mountain" is recommended family entertainment. - MERK

I remembered watching this movie when it first aired on TV in 1972 when I was all of 14 It's too bad that these, and many of the other TV movies from that time are hard to find, especially when you consider all the other crap you can find out on DVD in the bargain bin at WalMart. After all these years, I was finally able to obtain a copy of this movie on tape and enjoyed it all over again. While the plot may be simple, the characters and the background of the Mt. Shasta area make it a worthwhile movie to watch. I also enjoyed watching Joe Kapp who was my favorite quarterback several years earlier when he played for the Minnesota Vikings. Maybe that's why this is an all but forgotten classic. There's no sex or big explosions or any of the other unbelievable shots you see in today's movies. If you want a movie that you can sit down and enjoy that doesn't have all that ridiculous stuff you see in today's movies, this is one of them!

If you like movies that move along at a snail's pace, then this is the movie for you. I decided to watch this movie for Marj Dusay, who is probably only in four or five scenes total. The whole movie lacked intrigue and was filled with more wordless scenes of people trekking through snow than anything else. I enjoyed Stella Stevens' character though, she and Marj giving the film its only good points. If I could rate this movie any lower than a 1, I would. No, I didn't have to sit through the whole movie if I hated it, but I'm a completionist. I have nobody to blame but myself. Even still, thought I should warn that the glowing reviews this movie has received on this page might be a little exaggerated. Of course, all are free to their movie opinions!