Back Up the Mountain
Back Up the Mountain details the amazing true story of determined men and women sacrificing and risking all to establish the Branch Normal School (now Southern Utah University) In 1898 they faced the heroic task of constructing the state-required three-story brick building. They had to begin in the depth and darkness of a record cold and snowy winter. The Cedar City (Utah) residents had to complete the building in an eight-month period or lose the school. Their commitment to education and to their community rivals all other stories of the founding of institutions of higher education.
Starring Jasen Wade (Cokeville Miracle, 17 Miracles, Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed) as Neil Bladen, the man determined to get the lumber from the mountain. Also starring Dan Frezza, as Francis Webster, the leader who guided and prodded the community.
Produced on-location at or near where the actual events occurred in Cedar City, Frontier Homestead State Park and Brian Head, Utah. Many cast members and extras are proud descendants of the university's founders.