In the Shadow of the Chief

On a rain-soaked morning in May 1961, amidst the snow-capped mountains and verdant forests of Squamish, British Columbia, two young climbers; Jim Baldwin and Ed Cooper started up the Stawamus Chief. Within two weeks news of their attempt had spread and soon 12,000 cars crowded the base of the Chief with onlookers convinced they were about to witness a deadly fall. Braving relentless heat, mosquitoes and a barrage of reporters, it seemed at times doubtful that Ed and Jim would finish the climb. Using never-before-seen archival footage, In the Shadow of the Chief is a unique look at a part of climbing history and the spirit of the community that rallied behind them. It is directed by Ivan Hughes and produced by Angela Heck.