Cheshire hero set to conquer Hollywood

Cheshire hero set to conquer Hollywood

Dan McMullan

THE life of a legendary mountaineer who was raised in Cheshire and died on the slopes of Everest looks likely to be turned into a Hollywood blockbuster.

Mobberley-born George Mallory is thought by some to have been the first person to reach the 8,850-metre summit in 1924, but disappeared near the top of the mountain with his climbing partner Andrew Irvine.

Now best-selling novelist and former MP Jeffrey Archer has turned the story of Mallory's fateful attempt on Everest into a screenplay with the working title Walking off the Map.

Mr Archer said: "I believe George Mallory is one of the great unsung heroes of our country. He was a hugely important figure at the time of his death and a service was held at St Paul's Cathedral with the Royal Family and Cabinet in attendance.

"He was a national hero and he is now sadly forgotten - but a good film could change that."

Vanished

Mallory and Irvine were last seen a few hundred metres from the top of Everest at 12.50pm on June 8, 1924 then vanished in a blizzard. Mallory's body was found in 1999. If Mallory and Irvine did reach the top of the mountain, it was 29 years ahead of Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

Mr Archer, said: "The biggest mystery of all is did Mallory reach the top or not? I have spoken to many climbers as part of my research and they are split almost 50/50 about it."

The film which is likely to cost $50 million, will be directed by Bruce Beresford and produced by Richard Zanuck, both Oscar winners. Mr Archer also confirmed Batman star Christian Bale is interested in playing the role of George Mallory. Mr Archer said: "We have a hugely experienced and talented director and producer on board as well as a very talented actor interested in playing the lead. Now all we need is the money and talks are ongoing at the moment."

But with no proof of whether Mallory reached the peak, the controversy is likely to rage on and he will best be remembered as the doomed climber who was asked why he wanted to climb Everest and replied: "Because it is there."