The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2001)

Synopsis: In August 1914, seasoned British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton embarks on his third excursion into Antarctic territory, planning to cross the Antarctic continent on foot--something no other... In August 1914, seasoned British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton embarks on his third excursion into Antarctic territory, planning to cross the Antarctic continent on foot--something no other explorer has attempted before. Only a day's journey from his final destination, Shackleton's ship, The Endurance, is trapped in pack-ice, where she will remain frozen for the next ten months, all throughout the harsh Antarctic winter. With dwindling rations, blizzards, boredom, and illness to contend with, and only each other and their faithful sled dogs for company, the crew grows restless, and Shackleton has his hands full trying to keep the peace on board. A turning point occurs when ice floes finally threaten to crush the ship, and the men are forced to take to the lifeboats. Now Shackleton, abandoning any remaining notions of completing the mission, decides instead to bring back his crew alive at any cost, even though the nearest outpost of civilization is on an island 800 miles away. Historic film clips of The Endurance shot by expedition photographer Frank Hurley, new color footage of the eerily beautiful Antarctic landscape, as well as commentary by surviving family members and narration by Liam Neeson all combine to make watching this documentary a gripping experience. [More]

Starring: Roland Huntford, John Blackborow, Peter Wordie, Marie Crean O'Brien

Starring: Roland Huntford, John Blackborow, Peter Wordie, Marie Crean O'Brien, Julian Ayer, Tom McNish, Jonathan Shackleton

Director: George Butler

Director: George Butler
Screenwriter: Joseph Dorman, Caroline Alexander
Composer: Michael Small
Studio: Cowboy Pictures

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