Much was made in the film about the German/Nazi pride in their athletic abilities leading up to the infamous 1936 Olympics at Berlin.  Here is a story from the U.S. Holocaust Museum about Nazi Germany and their obsession with athletic domination.  Click the link below to find out. 

Holocaust Encyclopedia - Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936

 This review of NORTH FACE from The Independent in England chronicles extensively the story behind the film, as well as a history of mountain climbing movies, many we discussed after our screening of NORTH FACE.  Click the link below to read all about it.  Yes, it includes Sylvester Stallone's CLIFFHANGER.

NORTH FACE Feature

 Louise Fellner is the name of the female reporter in the film.  This is, in fact, a fictional character made up for the film, according to this review.  Click on the link below to read the review.  Thanks to Phyllis Schanley for this info.

NORTH FACE Review

 In our discussion, we mentioned the documentary TOUCHING THE VOID, which the cinematographer used as a guide for shooting NORTH FACE.  Here's a site that gives you more information about that film, as well as a clip.  Clink the link below to go to the site.  Enjoy.

PBS Previews: TOUCHING THE VOID