Warren Harding - Recollections of the First Ascent of El Capitan in Yosemity Valley

The film documents the journey of Warren Harding as he becomes the first climber to summit El Capitan via the Nose route on November 12, 1958. This ascent is presented as an extraordinary feat, likened more to a heavy Himalayan expedition than traditional rock climbing. Harding's approach involved climbing primarily on weekends, spending a total of 47 days over 17 months on the face of El Capitan.

With a massive amount of equipment utilized, including 675 pitons and thousands of hammer blows, Harding's climb was both physically demanding and technically complex. The film captures not only the physical challenges but also the interactions with other climbers of the time, including Harding's relationship with his contemporaries, whom he referred to as the 'Christians of the valley.' This documentary is essential for those interested in the history of climbing and the development of techniques in the sport.