With Byrd at the South Pole

A classic documentary in glorious black and white, the film is mostly silent, with a musical score added. There is a sound introduction by Byrd himself and a narrator describes the section showing the actual flight over the South Pole (though his narration is hurried). The film is beautifully photographed and won the Academy Award for cinematography in 1930. Helpfully, the print that I watched on Canadian TV was clear and crisp, making the film a visual treat to watch. I highly recommend this film over any newer versions of Byrd's story which would intercut the vintage film clips with modern material. This version gives a great feel for the immensity of the original expedition, with tidbits both momentous and minor.

Oscar winning documentary on Byrd at the Antarctic and his attempt to be the first to fly over it.

This beautifully shot record of what Byrd had to do to be the first man to fly over the South Pole is the type of film that sucks you in and hold you for its entire running time. If you want to know what it was like to be one of the first people to explore the bottom of the world this is for you. To be certain others were there first Roald Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton were all there first, but Byrd was still there when there were no permanent facilities and a trip to the ice was a years long adventure. This is amazing stuff (even if some of it seems staged). If there is any real flaw its that the flight to the Pole is almost anti-climatic when compared with just trying to survive.

It should noted that the film is mostly silent. Sound film was really just taking off when the expedition was taking off, and even so the sound equipment would never have passed the weight restrictions. What sound there is comes from an introduction by Byrd, sound effects, and some narration during the actual flight.

Recommended. (More so if you've seen the footage of Ernest Shackleton and his ill fated trip since this adds to your knowledge of what it must have been like for them as well)

With Byrd at the South Pole (1930)

*** (out of 4)

This documentary picked up a Best Cinematography Oscar and rightfully so as some of the shots are just downright breathtaking. The documentary covers the year-long journey of Rear Admiral Richard Byrd as he tracks down to the South Pole where he attempts to become the first person to fly over it. The documentary picks up as the ship leaves New York and we pretty much see their not so good life for the next year as they struggle to build up their shelters as well as having to deal with the low temperatures and of course actually building the plane to try and make it fly. I think history buffs are certainly going to get a kick out of seeing this footage as there's no question that it's pretty remarkable getting to see this historic event. The cinematography really puts you right there as there are some terrific shots of the wildlife and some footage showing how dangerous everything is. Just take a look at some of the shots during the two blizzards that are shown and you're really amazed that no one was killed. There's also quite a bit of humor added in the title cards (the film is silent) in regards to the low temperatures and there's a funny sequence where we see some spring cleaning and we get to see how they get a hot bath. The Aeriel footage is another major plus. The film starts off with a talking sequence with Byrd delivering a speech about his journey. This is probably the worst sequence because of how badly he struggles to read the cue cards. His eyes are constantly looking over to the cards and even worse is how he has to break sentences up to look over and see where to pick up again. Still, the actual images is what makes this film so special and worth viewing.

If you've ever seen "South" (1919) or "Endurance" (2000) about the Shackleton expedition to the South Pole in 1914, then you will have an idea as to what we are in for with this similar, though vastly technologically superior, trip to Antarctica. Ten years had passed since those earlier journeys and by now the boats were steam powered, electricity was available and they had a trio of aeroplanes on hand to assist with the surveying. That's not so say that conditions were any more welcoming for American Admiral Richard Byrd as he assembled a team of enthusiasts to sail to the opposite end of the world before setting up camp amidst the seals and the penguins. Despite having a few more mod-cons, this was still a serious struggle for the group who endured over one hundred days of the winter darkness in their virtually subterranean lodgings, before emerging in the brief spring. An early setback with one of their flights reminded them (and us) that even the most modern and reliable of engineering is no match for a sudden blizzard, but with careful planning they ought to be able to achieve their goal - a flight to the interior and over the pole itself. This isn't one of those films packed full of barking huskies and windswept scenarios, it is more a celebration of logistics, science and some impressive photography courtesy of two of Paramount studio's finest cameramen (who were presumably on danger money). It is that imagery that keeps this going: the pristine location, the big-masted ships, the wildlife and their constant battle to keep the continent from reclaiming what they called "Little America". In many ways it is not as exciting to watch as the previous depictions from this frozen wilderness, but it is still quite a compelling watch.

A few nights ago, my wife and I found ourselves talking about family problems at 3am. Sleep seemed impossible, so we went to the TV to find a more soothing mood. And there, on TCM, we found "With Byrd at the South Pole. Byrd stood nervously before the camera, stiffly, nervously trying to communicate the scope and dangers of his mission. The nervousness was in stark contrast to his absolute sure-handed, calm planning and control in the most trying circumstances.

We marveled at the thoroughness and foresight of his planning, his concern for the safety of his crew--no one died on the mission, despite blizzards, crevasses, 4 straight months of no sunlight,and icy , treacherous footing, with temperatures reaching -72 F.

Most outstanding was the Oscar-winning cinematography, unself-consciously artistic and breathtaking. We often wonder, watching adventure films, how cameramen somehow manage to be on a mountain peak before the climbers, wrestling heavy, awkward burdens of cameras, film and tripods. In this documentary, the visual thrills are endless and revelatory.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the quiet dignity, humanity and willing work of the 42 trekkers. There is no evidence of complaining,a quiet competency and absolute dedication to hard work.There is a moving episode as a lead dog, overcomes illness and infirmity in a heartbreaking attempt to stay with the sled dog teams.

This film is less "dramatic" than Flaherty's epics, but totally involving in terms of our emotional involvement.Find this film gem if you can...it's unforgettable.