Shackleton. (1983) Part 1 of 4. A Merchant Navy Man.

deaddogsdam

First broadcast 13th April 1983.  The Antarctic expeditions of the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.  David Schofield - Sir Ernest Shackleton David Rodigan - Frank Wild Neil Stacy - Robert Scott Geoffrey Chater - Sir Clements Markham Robert Lang - Major Darwin Robert James - Sir John Scott-Keltie Victoria Fairbrother - Emily Dorman Paul Hastings - Dr. Edward Wilson Michael Sheard - Dr. Koettlitz Frank Duncan - William Beardmore Michael Hayward - 'Putty' Marston Richard Steele - Captain England Raymond Adamson - RGS Member John Roden - Porter Roland Oliver - Scottish Porter David Soames - First Voter Richard Latham - Second Voter Tara Hiatt - Small Child

Transcript

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00:01:05It was in the Antarctic summer of 1902 that I started my career as a polar explorer.

00:01:12Commander Robert Scott, Dr. Edward Wilson, and I, as part of the National Antarctic Expedition,

00:01:19made man's first journey across the great ice barrier.

00:01:23We struggled slowly south for eight weeks,

00:01:26but our inexperience and the immense forces of nature meant we had covered only 400 miles

00:01:32when we reached our time limit and had to turn back.

00:01:36Disappointment sapped our spirits,

00:01:38and as constant hunger and exhaustion took their toll on our strength,

00:01:43each man began to retreat within himself.

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00:02:22What's the verdict, Doc?

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00:02:25Too much food and not enough exercise.

00:02:28That's your trouble, lad.

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00:03:15how is he not good it's gasping for breath and he's coughing blood another

00:03:21day like this and I wouldn't give him 24 hours

00:03:34Shackleton feeling better

00:03:39definitely don't pretend to be better than you are that won't help anybody

00:03:44I'll be right as rain you'll see I just overdid things a bit that's all

00:03:50no sledgehog for you tomorrow

00:04:20thank God

00:04:43who is this dr. Kirtlitz oh Kirtlitz come in feeling better

00:04:52much you seem to have come through better than the others

00:04:55how are they

00:04:58Wilson is pretty weak I'm keeping him in his bunk

00:05:03Shackleton is not too bad in fact I would say that he was a passenger most of the way back

00:05:08he did not pull his weight

00:05:10yes he worked as hard as he could too hard in fact

00:05:14he just wasn't up to it that's all

00:05:18was this your farthest south position

00:05:22latitude 82 degrees 17

00:05:24a great achievement congratulations sir

00:05:28less than halfway to the pole and it nearly killed us

00:05:32without Shackleton things might have been different

00:05:36have you examined him yet

00:05:37not thoroughly

00:05:38that's why I wanted a word

00:05:41by the day after tomorrow I've got to decide who goes with the relief ship

00:05:45and who remains for next season

00:05:48you would like a medical report on everyone

00:05:51oh it's a matter of temperament as well as health

00:05:53of course but I can use my own judgment there

00:05:56the Royal Navy men would seem to stand out wouldn't you agree

00:06:00they are better disciplined certainly but not necessarily fitter

00:06:03it depends what you're looking for

00:06:05when can you let me have a list

00:06:07I'll go start at once

00:06:10this time tomorrow

00:06:12excellent

00:06:30you didn't get service like this out on the barrier

00:06:33thanks Frank

00:06:36we thought you were goners

00:06:37I don't mind telling you

00:06:39we very nearly were

00:06:43will you be staying then?

00:06:48I'm not sure that Scott will want me to

00:06:54everyone's got to see the dock

00:06:55and then he'll ask for volunteers

00:07:01if you ask me

00:07:01he'll try and get rid of the merchant navy nights

00:07:04he can't get through to them

00:07:06you noticed

00:07:08mind you lot of scroungers

00:07:09don't blame him

00:07:12it will finish me to get sent home Frank

00:07:16don't worry

00:07:18we'll get up a petition

00:07:25no more coughing blood

00:07:27not a trace

00:07:31you do not happen to remember as a child

00:07:36whether you ever had

00:07:37rheumatic fever

00:07:39I don't think so

00:07:40why?

00:07:43it can sometimes cause trouble later

00:07:47there was something

00:07:49I thought it was a battle of influenza

00:07:54no trouble with the ticker?

00:07:56none

00:07:57why is there a connection?

00:08:00just occasionally

00:08:05rheumatic fever can leave you with what we call a heart murmur

00:08:10a person might never know it

00:08:13unless he finds himself

00:08:16under great physical or emotional strain

00:08:20you can't detect anything can you?

00:08:22nothing at all

00:08:24it is extremely difficult to diagnose

00:08:29all right

00:08:29you may put your things on

00:08:34so

00:08:36you would say that I'm in pretty fair shape

00:08:39just take it easy for a week or two

00:08:44how about wintering over

00:08:46that is Scott's decision

00:08:48not mine

00:08:53yes

00:08:57ah good man

00:09:05is that the complete list?

00:09:07one or two have said they do not want to stay

00:09:10Hodgson and McFarlane

00:09:12I cannot recommend

00:09:14neither of them wintered well last year

00:09:16yes

00:09:16McFarlane's no loss

00:09:17but I'd like to hang on to Hodgson

00:09:20you haven't reported on Shackleton

00:09:21on the next page

00:09:24apart from the effects of scurvy

00:09:25he seems to have made

00:09:26a remarkable recovery

00:09:30what about the burst blood vessel?

00:09:32there is no particular likelihood of a recurrence

00:09:36but he broke down completely

00:09:39medically speaking

00:09:40Wilson is in a far worse condition than Shackleton

00:09:43Wilson is a special case

00:09:44leave him to me

00:09:46what assurance can you give me

00:09:48that Shackleton

00:09:50will not break down again?

00:09:52no one

00:09:53can give you that

00:09:55very well

00:09:56have you put it in writing?

00:09:57not yet

00:10:00but if you wish

00:10:01I will do it now

00:10:03please do

00:10:19don't you see

00:10:20Kurt Litz

00:10:21if he doesn't go home sick

00:10:24he'll think he's going home

00:10:26in disgrace

00:10:40so ends my brief and inglorious career

00:10:43as an Antarctic explorer

00:10:45you'll be back

00:10:47what did he say?

00:10:48not much

00:10:50I was a sorry person

00:10:51and so forth

00:10:53although I could tell

00:10:54that he wasn't

00:10:56but the doc can't guarantee

00:10:57my health

00:10:58I'm too big a risk

00:10:58so

00:10:59that's it

00:11:03god Frank

00:11:04I'd get my high teeth

00:11:05to be staying here

00:11:07at least you've got

00:11:07a young lady waiting

00:11:09I doubt that she'll even look at me

00:11:11invalidated home

00:11:12no money

00:11:13no prospects

00:11:16well I'll miss you

00:11:19poetry and all

00:11:24oh but a man's reach

00:11:26should exceed his grasp

00:11:28oh what's a heaven for

00:11:31one more winter down here

00:11:33and he'd have had me educated

00:11:36yeah next time Frank

00:11:37you and I'll make a team

00:11:40it's the routine tasks

00:11:42not the more glamorous ones

00:11:44that really keep an expedition going

00:11:47so whether you've been

00:11:49melting ice

00:11:50cleaning out the hut

00:11:52taking daily meteorological readings

00:11:55all of you

00:11:56every man jack of you

00:11:57have played a part in our success

00:12:01the decision that I have

00:12:03had to take

00:12:04has been a hard one

00:12:05because I know

00:12:06that all of you

00:12:07would like to see

00:12:08this job through

00:12:11to those of you

00:12:12who will be leaving

00:12:13in the relief ship

00:12:16I would like to say

00:12:17thank you

00:12:18for the fine job you've done

00:12:22a safe journey

00:12:24and a warm welcome

00:12:25from your loved ones

00:12:27the news you'll be carrying home

00:12:29is that we have penetrated

00:12:32further south on this planet

00:12:34than man has ever been before

00:12:38tell the people of britain we are in good heart

00:12:43goodbye

00:12:45and well done

00:12:57well this is it then uncle bill

00:12:59there's no one I shall miss more shackles

00:13:01you know that

00:13:03no more horseplay

00:13:05you'll have to behave yourself

00:13:06I don't suppose it helps much

00:13:08but speaking as a doctor

00:13:10I would have come to the same decision

00:13:12he's got to put the expedition first

00:13:14I can't see that

00:13:16but it hurts

00:13:19it hurts like hell

00:13:43I can't see that

00:13:46I can't see that

00:13:48I can't see that

00:13:48I can see that

00:13:55Good luck, Shackles!

00:14:14On my return to England, I received a letter of appreciation

00:14:17from Sir Clements Markham, President of the Royal Geographical Society.

00:14:22It was he who had selected Scott and had striven for many years

00:14:26to bring the Discovery Expedition into being,

00:14:28and I was keen not to disappear from his view.

00:14:35Yes, sir. Can I help you?

00:14:36Lieutenant Shackleton, I'm here to see Sir Clements Markham.

00:14:40The President's in a meeting right now, sir. Is he expecting you?

00:14:44He does know that I will be calling.

00:14:46Oh, well, I'll make inquiries if you'd care to wait in the library, sir.

00:14:50That's upstairs on your left.

00:14:53Thank you, sir. Thank you.

00:14:58And I can understand their concern.

00:15:00Perhaps we should be thinking about a rescue.

00:15:03There is no question of a rescue, Major Darwin.

00:15:05Discovery may be faster in the ice, but in all other respects she's perfectly safe.

00:15:09She's well-provisioned for the winter.

00:15:10I'm afraid the Admiralty takes a different view.

00:15:14Is this true, Guilty?

00:15:16It would appear so, Sir Clements.

00:15:19If officers and men of the Royal Navy are in danger...

00:15:22They are not in danger.

00:15:23The public may believe them to be.

00:15:26The Admiralty cannot appear to be leaving them to their fate.

00:15:30That seems to be their lordship's view.

00:15:32Imposterous.

00:15:33Do they want my ship?

00:15:35Apparently so.

00:15:37I will not hand over command of mourning to anyone.

00:15:39Then the Admiralty will almost certainly send a ship of its own.

00:15:43Let them.

00:15:44If public money is to be squandered in this manner, then there's nothing further to be said.

00:15:50I see I do not have the support to this committee.

00:15:54Well, consider this, gentlemen.

00:15:57The more ships we send to those dangerous waters with inexperienced crews,

00:16:01the more chance there is of a catastrophe.

00:16:22Lifted in Shackleton?

00:16:23Yes, sir.

00:16:25Sorry to have kept you, dear fellow.

00:16:26Welcome back.

00:16:27I have Scott's letter.

00:16:29You did a fine job.

00:16:29A fine job.

00:16:31I'm afraid he thought I was a bit of a liability.

00:16:33Nonsense, dear boy.

00:16:34He said everyone had the highest regard for you, officers and men alike.

00:16:37We can't all be cut out for the frozen waste.

00:16:41I suppose not.

00:16:43But I am very keen to try my hand again.

00:16:45Well, of course you are.

00:16:46Of course you are.

00:16:48Now, tell me.

00:16:49Would you say that Discovery was in any danger?

00:16:53Not really.

00:16:54She is beset in the ice, but there's no great pressure on her.

00:16:59Would you say that Scott was at fault for taking her so far south?

00:17:02I hardly think so, sir.

00:17:03Conditions change all the time.

00:17:05Last year the channel was perfectly clear.

00:17:08In my own view, precisely, I wish I had you on my committee.

00:17:11To listen to some of our members, you'd think that Ross Sea was the English Channel.

00:17:14Now, how can I be of help?

00:17:17Well, the fact is, sir, I'm at a bit of a loose end.

00:17:21I was the same at your age.

00:17:22You want a bit of adventure before you settle down?

00:17:25More than a bit, if I can find it.

00:17:27Too late to go chasing after Boers.

00:17:30I was wondering about the Klondike.

00:17:32Too late there as well, in my opinion.

00:17:34All the quick fortune's been made already.

00:17:37It's just the old stages left up there now.

00:17:39No, not the life for you.

00:17:41Well, that's about as far as my plans go.

00:17:45I always say, if a man knows where he's going, he's not going very far.

00:17:50So don't worry, my boy.

00:17:54Now, as to the immediate future, we can certainly help you there.

00:17:59My ship, Morning, is going south in September to leave Scott.

00:18:05You wouldn't want to sail with her again.

00:18:08I'd rather not.

00:18:09I think that's wise.

00:18:13We'll find something for you, never fear.

00:18:18To be frank with you, not everyone in the society has the same opinion about this expedition.

00:18:25There are one or two wrongheaded people who think that more might have been achieved,

00:18:29especially on the scientific side.

00:18:32You put two geographers together, you get a disagreement, put three, and you've got a conspiracy.

00:18:40If you weren't to prepare a lecture setting out the expedition's achievements,

00:18:47we could have it published in the journal and circulated in the press.

00:18:52Your personal experience are doing wonders to boost public confidence.

00:18:57Thank you, sir. I'd be very pleased to try.

00:19:00Of course you would.

00:19:02Good.

00:19:04Good.

00:19:05Now, Kelty, how did the dogs report?

00:19:08Well, not one at all, I'm afraid.

00:19:10In fact, by the end, they were quite useless.

00:19:12I'm against them.

00:19:13It's a cruel business, killing them one by one to feed to the other.

00:19:17Not at all sporting.

00:19:19Now, Kelty, you haven't met Lieutenant Shackleton.

00:19:23Welcome to the society.

00:19:25He was with Scott when they achieved their furthest south.

00:19:27Congratulations.

00:19:28Actually, sir, that's not exactly true.

00:19:31Oh, come now. Yes, you were. I have his letter.

00:19:34On the final day's march, Scott ordered me to remain with the sledges,

00:19:38whilst he and Wilson made as much distance as they could on skis.

00:19:42So, you see, I can't really claim furthest south.

00:19:46Nonetheless, you were part of the team.

00:19:48Yes.

00:19:51Well, gentlemen, if you would excuse me, I have a call to make.

00:19:55My fiancee.

00:19:57You see, England has its compensations after all.

00:20:00I'll speak with you again shortly.

00:20:02Goodbye, sir.

00:20:03Goodbye.

00:20:04Goodbye.

00:20:19Goodbye, Earl.

00:20:20Bye well.

00:20:20There's nothing here in this separate.

00:20:21Look at them now.

00:20:25may have been a bit too friendly with the lower deck.

00:20:28Did Scott see there?

00:20:29Between the lines, Cody.

00:20:32Between the lines.

00:20:35Commander Scott decided that we could not risk pushing south

00:20:39beyond the 28th of December.

00:20:42And on that day, he and Wilson

00:20:45succeeded in planting the Union flag

00:20:48at latitude 82 degrees, 17.

00:20:5317, further south than man has ever been before.

00:21:07Another question, Mr. Shackleton.

00:21:09Do you think you were lucky to return safely?

00:21:12Yes, I do.

00:21:14In Antarctica, you need Lady Luck on your side.

00:21:18Let me put it another way.

00:21:19Do you think Lieutenant Scott involved the company in unnecessary risks?

00:21:27We are all safe and well, sir.

00:21:36I have spoken of some of the scientific and geographical achievements of this expedition.

00:21:43But I cannot leave you tonight without trying to convey to you

00:21:47something of the vast magnificence of the South Polar regions.

00:21:53The immense forces of those contending elements.

00:21:57Rock, wind, ice, and water.

00:22:01The stillness of the Antarctic night and the comradeship.

00:22:10The intensified feeling of life.

00:22:15Of being alive.

00:22:19Which men feel in those frozen wastes.

00:22:23And which draws them back as if their souls belonged there.

00:22:31Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much indeed.

00:22:48Sir Clements, may I introduce my fiancée?

00:22:51Miss Emily Dorman.

00:22:53Delighted, delighted.

00:22:55You've got a remarkable young man there, Miss Dawson.

00:22:59Don't let go of him.

00:23:01Miss Goody.

00:23:02Miss Goody.

00:23:12How would you like to live in Edinburgh?

00:23:15With you?

00:23:17Of course with me.

00:23:19I'm sick.

00:23:20Well, I haven't finally decided to marry you yet.

00:23:26Emily Dorman, I love you.

00:23:28Will you marry me tomorrow?

00:23:30Don't tease.

00:23:38What's this about Edinburgh?

00:23:40The Scottish Geographical Society are looking for a new secretary.

00:23:44I stand a pretty good chance.

00:23:47You told me you were going to make your fortune.

00:23:50Aye, well, those canny Scots will teach me how it's done.

00:23:53Are you sure you want to live in Edinburgh?

00:23:55Yes.

00:23:57I think I do.

00:24:00Very much.

00:24:03Then I want to live in Edinburgh.

00:24:14Tell me about Scott.

00:24:16You didn't like him, did you?

00:24:18Well, it wasn't that.

00:24:19I just felt that he didn't really want me around.

00:24:21Banquo to his Macbeth.

00:24:24There is none but he who is being idle here.

00:24:27And under him, my genius is rebuked.

00:24:30As it is said, Mark Antony's was by Caesar.

00:24:34I suppose he might have been a bit jealous.

00:24:37He's a buck-up sort of fellow.

00:24:39Never manages to let his hair down.

00:24:49The Royal Scottish Geographical Society gave me their guarded approval.

00:24:54And in January 1904, I was appointed secretary and treasurer.

00:24:58In the spring of that year, Emily and I were married.

00:25:02I had already prepared a home for us in Edinburgh

00:25:04and waited with eagerness to see if she would approve of my choice.

00:25:17The key's in my left pocket.

00:25:19Idiot man.

00:25:24Oh, lyric love, half angel and half bird

00:25:28and all a wonder and a wild desire.

00:25:31Oh, before I've been for killing us.

00:25:46Like it?

00:25:49Dearest, it's beautiful.

00:26:03Where are the curtains?

00:26:05Ah, yes.

00:26:06It still does need a woman's touch, perhaps.

00:26:09Here and there.

00:26:19Mr. and Mrs. Shackleton.

00:26:23At home.

00:26:25Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Shackleton on their honeymoon.

00:26:28Don't tease, beloved.

00:26:30We would only be spending money we haven't got.

00:26:33And in any case, the Scottish society would think it extremely odd

00:26:37if I took a holiday just as I'm starting.

00:26:40Well, even your honeymoon?

00:26:42They're a very dull lot.

00:26:43You should see them.

00:26:44I'm sure they strongly disapprove of honeymoons.

00:26:48Some of them disapproved when I installed a telephone in my office.

00:26:52There were raised eyebrows in the smoking room.

00:27:02In the months that followed, I spent much of my time

00:27:05trying to convince the society that a new century had begun.

00:27:10Before long, however, I would have to face the fact

00:27:12that my daily routine was becoming increasingly irksome.

00:27:27I'm sorry, Mr. Shackleton.

00:27:29It's the noise of the machine.

00:27:30There have been complaints.

00:27:33Oh.

00:27:34One or two members think longhand

00:27:37might be more appropriate to the society's affairs.

00:27:40The old guard, eh, Duncan?

00:27:42You might say so, sir.

00:27:44All right.

00:27:45I'll try not to wake them

00:27:47from the grave.

00:27:49One other thing, sir.

00:27:53The library window.

00:27:54Do you happen to know how it came to be broken?

00:27:57As a matter of fact, Duncan, I do.

00:28:01A golf ball went through it.

00:28:03Struck from outside the building, would it have been, sir?

00:28:08Inside.

00:28:10Don't worry about it, sir.

00:28:12I'll have it seem to.

00:28:30Is that you, dear?

00:28:33Emily, I'll do that, my child.

00:28:36I've finished.

00:28:38There you are.

00:28:41They came this afternoon.

00:28:42At last.

00:28:45Do you like them?

00:28:48Let me take a good look.

00:28:53Hmm.

00:28:54I think they're perfect.

00:29:01I've got news.

00:29:03Discovery's docked in London.

00:29:05So soon?

00:29:06Hmm.

00:29:06It seems she made excellent time.

00:29:08And there's to be a special lunch this coming Saturday.

00:29:12What about that honeymoon?

00:29:14I don't know, my dear,

00:29:16but the weeks just seem to evaporate.

00:29:20Any messages?

00:29:21Yes.

00:29:23The Liberal Unionists called

00:29:25and want to know whether you've ever thought of standing for Parliament.

00:29:29Hmm.

00:29:29I didn't even know that I was a Liberal Unionist.

00:29:36It is now my great pleasure

00:29:38to present Sir Clements

00:29:41with this

00:29:42specially designed

00:29:44centrepiece

00:29:45as a token of our deep appreciation.

00:29:48He may not have been with us

00:29:50in Antarctica, but

00:29:51he was there in spirit.

00:29:54Indeed, without his

00:29:55untiring efforts,

00:29:57there would have been no discovery

00:29:59expedition at all.

00:30:07Dear woman, my intrepid friends,

00:30:10for once,

00:30:11I'm at a loss for words.

00:30:13This is a great honour

00:30:14and a great surprise.

00:30:16Thank you, indeed.

00:30:16I shall treasure it always.

00:30:18Not least because it depicts

00:30:20Antarctic sledging

00:30:21in its finest

00:30:22and purest form.

00:30:24The British style,

00:30:26if I may so call it,

00:30:27without the encumbrance

00:30:28of skis

00:30:29or dogs.

00:30:37You didn't waste much time

00:30:39with the ladies

00:30:39in our absence, young man.

00:30:41I want you all to meet her.

00:30:43Truth that's brighter than gem,

00:30:45trust that's purer than pearl,

00:30:47all work for me

00:30:48in the kiss of one girl.

00:30:55We're ready, Mr. Shackles.

00:30:56No poetry evenings,

00:30:58no horseplay,

00:30:59just sea shanties

00:31:00with dubious words

00:31:01composed by Mr. Wilde.

00:31:03When our leader

00:31:03was safely out of here,

00:31:05shall we?

00:31:05I hear you with

00:31:06the Scottish Geographical.

00:31:07How are you enjoying Edinburgh?

00:31:09It's a fine town.

00:31:10Where I come from,

00:31:12me bury our dead.

00:31:14If I stand for Parliament,

00:31:16I shall have to leave anyway.

00:31:18Mustn't sully those portals

00:31:19with the taint of politics.

00:31:21Is that what you want?

00:31:24I don't know, Bill.

00:31:26I feel so restless.

00:31:28I just want some

00:31:29God Almighty challenge.

00:31:30Shackleton.

00:31:34It's good to see you.

00:31:36I'm glad it all ended

00:31:37so splendidly.

00:31:38Except for those

00:31:39two relief ships.

00:31:40We didn't need either of them.

00:31:42No, it was like

00:31:42a naval review down there.

00:31:44The Admiralty is said

00:31:45to be furious.

00:31:46No doubt my career

00:31:47will suffer accordingly.

00:31:51You, tell me about yourself.

00:31:52Best of health and spirits.

00:31:54We must keep in touch.

00:32:01If 95% of the Irish people

00:32:04want home rule,

00:32:05will you give it to them?

00:32:06I am an Irishman myself

00:32:08and I would never give them

00:32:10anything that isn't good for them.

00:32:14What about votes for women?

00:32:17The fact is,

00:32:18my wife is present here today.

00:32:20So I think my wisest course

00:32:22would be to refuse

00:32:23to answer that question.

00:32:25Are you in favour of the polls

00:32:27working in the Lannertshire Mines?

00:32:29No.

00:32:30I would shift all polls.

00:32:32Even the South Pole.

00:32:35The only poll that I would not shift

00:32:37is the one that I'm going to come top of

00:32:41at this election.

00:32:43Thank you for coming.

00:32:51Couldn't you manage to miss just one or two?

00:32:54You know what a bad loser I am.

00:32:56I'm 29 years old

00:32:57and what am I?

00:32:58All you have to do is concentrate.

00:33:00A failed explorer,

00:33:02a failed businessman,

00:33:03soon to be a failed politician.

00:33:07You know what's wrong?

00:33:09You're in too much of a hurry.

00:33:11And a failed golfer.

00:33:13I've never seen you so angry with yourself.

00:33:19I'm sorry.

00:33:20I'm not much fun at the moment.

00:33:22I know

00:33:23part of you is still in Antarctica,

00:33:26isn't it?

00:33:27My dear,

00:33:28Antarctica has disowned me

00:33:32completely.

00:33:33Why do you say that?

00:33:35You didn't see the book

00:33:37that arrived this morning.

00:33:38The Voyage of the Discovery

00:33:40by Robert Falcon Scott.

00:33:47January 29th.

00:33:49The poor patient,

00:33:51worn and despondent.

00:33:53By January 30th?

00:33:55I'm livid,

00:33:56speechless

00:33:56and in very low spirits.

00:34:00It took me 20 minutes

00:34:02to get out of the tent.

00:34:06It was painful to watch.

00:34:09That, apparently,

00:34:10is all the world is to be told.

00:34:12You mean his written lies?

00:34:14No.

00:34:15But by quoting selectively

00:34:17from his diary,

00:34:18he gives the impression

00:34:19that I was completely useless

00:34:20the entire time.

00:34:23There's nothing in there

00:34:25about how I got home

00:34:25on my own two feet.

00:34:27Anybody reading that

00:34:28will think that I was carried

00:34:29all the way.

00:34:30I'm sure it's not

00:34:31maliciously intended.

00:34:33Are you?

00:34:34I wish I felt so charitable.

00:34:37What can you do?

00:34:41Well,

00:34:41I suppose I can complain.

00:34:44write to the Royal

00:34:45Geographical Society,

00:34:46the newspapers,

00:34:47but it won't do

00:34:48the slightest good.

00:34:49That damn thing

00:34:49is already in the bookshops.

00:34:56Dear heart.

00:35:06I don't know what to say

00:35:08that would be the slightest help.

00:35:11Nothing seems to be going right.

00:35:13does it?

00:35:14You've got Mr. Beardmore

00:35:15to see tomorrow.

00:35:17Something may come of that.

00:35:18Let's hope so.

00:35:22Lo,

00:35:23when the fight begins

00:35:24within himself,

00:35:26a man's worth something.

00:35:30Do you have any plans

00:35:31to go back?

00:35:32There are no expeditions

00:35:33at the moment.

00:35:35Even if there were,

00:35:36it's the leader

00:35:36who chooses his men.

00:35:37The Belgians

00:35:38are trying for the Poles

00:35:39to are here.

00:35:42Yes,

00:35:43that's right.

00:35:44I hope we're not going to let

00:35:45the Brides slip away.

00:35:46Have you ever thought of leading

00:35:47your own party?

00:35:49In my dreams,

00:35:51many times.

00:35:54I'm afraid it's a question of money.

00:35:59Potential backers

00:36:00have to wait a long time

00:36:01before they see any returns.

00:36:03Profit is not the only motive

00:36:05we industrialists live by,

00:36:06Mr. Shackleton.

00:36:07Contrary to popular belief.

00:36:09What about the Royal Geographical Society?

00:36:12Would they back you?

00:36:13I doubt it.

00:36:14Is their sponsorship essential?

00:36:16I would say so, yes.

00:36:18They lend respectability.

00:36:20That's about it.

00:36:21Tyranny of the clique.

00:36:23I've spent most of my business life

00:36:24trying to break it.

00:36:25I can't complain, sir.

00:36:26They've always been very kind to me.

00:36:30This is what I wanted you to see.

00:36:32My latest investment.

00:36:35Would you like her?

00:36:38She's tremendous.

00:36:48What speed will she do?

00:36:49That's our most closely guarded secret.

00:36:54I was thinking

00:36:56there might be a place for you

00:36:57on the development side of the company

00:36:59if you were sufficiently interested.

00:37:08That is a wonderful offer, sir.

00:37:11No worries.

00:37:12Take your time.

00:37:19The suspensions are a wee bit primitive.

00:37:22We're working on something more to find.

00:37:25I was wondering

00:37:26how she'd go on snow and ice.

00:37:29What's your opinion?

00:37:32Well, that would be a challenge

00:37:34to get that right.

00:37:35I seem to have rekindled

00:37:37your interest in the Antarctic,

00:37:39Mr. Shackleton.

00:37:40I don't think that spark

00:37:42ever really went out, sir.

00:37:47William Bairdmore's patronage

00:37:48as an employer and friend

00:37:49enabled me to turn my plans

00:37:51in the direction

00:37:52I'd long wanted to go.

00:37:53For nearly a year,

00:37:55I drew up my scheme

00:37:56for an Antarctic expedition

00:37:57of my own.

00:37:59My intention

00:38:00was to make winter quarters

00:38:02in McMurdo Sound

00:38:03and from there,

00:38:04the main sledge party

00:38:05would proceed south

00:38:06over the same route

00:38:07as the Discovery expedition.

00:38:09I did not intend

00:38:10to sacrifice scientific utility,

00:38:13but frankly,

00:38:14one of my great efforts

00:38:15would be to reach

00:38:16the southern geographical pole.

00:38:20This beard-boar fellow

00:38:22may be an affluent man,

00:38:23but what does he know

00:38:24of Antarctic exploration?

00:38:25Nothing, I fancy.

00:38:27He will honour his word.

00:38:29I'm quite sure of that.

00:38:30And the rest of the farms.

00:38:32Where do you see them coming from?

00:38:34As soon as I make

00:38:35a public announcement,

00:38:36the money will be forthcoming.

00:38:37What about the Admiralty?

00:38:39Do you expect

00:38:40to obtain their approval?

00:38:42This will not be

00:38:43a naval expedition.

00:38:45Then what sort of ship

00:38:46do you have in mind?

00:38:47I've heard of a sealer.

00:38:49She's working off

00:38:50Newfoundland at present,

00:38:51by the expected home

00:38:52in a couple of months.

00:38:53This is all very difficult,

00:38:55Shackleton.

00:38:56Scott has prior claim

00:38:57to the McMurdo area

00:38:58that can hardly be gainsaid.

00:39:00The Society cannot be expected

00:39:02to sponsor every new venture

00:39:04that presents itself

00:39:05however worthy in intention.

00:39:07I appreciate that, sir.

00:39:09But Scott has no plans to return.

00:39:12And we know that the Belgians

00:39:13are planning an expedition,

00:39:15possibly the French as well.

00:39:16They're bound to go for the Pole.

00:39:19Foreigners never seem

00:39:20to get much beyond

00:39:21the Antarctic Circle.

00:39:22There would have to be

00:39:23a coordinating committee.

00:39:24Do you have anyone in mind?

00:39:27To be frank with you,

00:39:28I dislike committees.

00:39:30If this Society

00:39:32is to be involved,

00:39:33I think they would insist.

00:39:37We'll give your proposal

00:39:38every consideration, Shackleton.

00:39:40On that point,

00:39:41you can rest assured.

00:39:45I would be grateful

00:39:46if you would regard

00:39:47my plans as confidential

00:39:48for the time being.

00:39:50So many things

00:39:51can interfere.

00:39:52Of course.

00:39:54Thank you, gentlemen.

00:40:04I don't like it, Kelty.

00:40:06If you told him

00:40:07of Scott's plans,

00:40:08we might have been able

00:40:09to head him off.

00:40:10I couldn't.

00:40:11It would have meant

00:40:12breaking your confidence.

00:40:14Well, now you've got

00:40:15two confidences.

00:40:16What's the Society

00:40:17in the most invidious position?

00:40:18The whole thing

00:40:19smacks of commercialism.

00:40:22Shackleton should know better.

00:40:24Buccaneering venture,

00:40:25I'd call it.

00:40:26Where's Scott now?

00:40:28Still in the Atlantic

00:40:29with a JMS album model.

00:40:31Confidence or no.

00:40:33On this occasion,

00:40:34I'm bound to say

00:40:35I think you have a higher duty.

00:40:37Scott must be forewarned.

00:41:06Well, we'll be腹ed here

00:41:10for another time.

00:41:15Yes?

00:41:2430 Officer Wilde. Reporting for duty, sir.

00:41:27Frank!

00:41:28I took a train as soon as I got your letter.

00:41:31You'll come?

00:41:32Try and stop me, boss.

00:41:35Where can you start?

00:41:36I just did.

00:41:41So, this is headquarters.

00:41:43There's far too much to do already.

00:41:45There always was. How about the other Discovery lads?

00:41:48I've written to some of them. Wilson. Ernie Joyce.

00:41:52My old stablemate. Will he come?

00:41:54If the Navy agree to release him, I'm sure he will.

00:41:58Well, our ship berthed in the Thames yesterday.

00:42:00I haven't seen her myself yet.

00:42:05Oh, come on, Frank. Let's take your cab down there.

00:42:08I thought you'd be an MP bar now.

00:42:10I got all the laughs. The other fellow got all the votes.

00:42:16Oh, what a stench.

00:42:18She's been seal hunting off Newfoundland.

00:42:20I had to buy her sight unseen.

00:42:25Looks it in awe.

00:42:27Of course, we'll have to replace most of the rigging.

00:42:30Probably the mast as well.

00:42:33Ah, jeez, the right sort of build.

00:42:36For what?

00:42:38Kensington Gardens?

00:42:41Would you like to take charge down here, Frank?

00:42:43It would be a weight off my mind.

00:42:45I'll have a ship shaver no time.

00:42:47You won't recognize her.

00:42:51Three more refusals.

00:42:53One of them abusive.

00:42:56I think I should start a blacklist of companies that have turned us down

00:42:59and then denounce them publicly for failing in their patriotic duty.

00:43:07I'm gonna miss you, dearest.

00:43:10Just a few months and I'll lay the South Pole at your feet.

00:43:19Another refusal?

00:43:20I can't believe it.

00:43:23It's from Scott.

00:43:25He's planning to go back to Antarctica.

00:43:27He doesn't own it, my dear.

00:43:29You have just as much right.

00:43:32Listen to this.

00:43:35It is clear to me that you have placed yourself directly in the way of my life's work.

00:43:41God, will I never be free of this man!

00:43:46What will you do?

00:43:47He wants me to see Wilson.

00:43:55It's a sturdy little craft you've got here.

00:43:58Why so much timber?

00:43:59Are you planning to build a village down there?

00:44:01Stables.

00:44:02On the foredeck.

00:44:03I'm having 50 Siberian ponies shipped down to New Zealand.

00:44:06We'll pick them up on our way south.

00:44:08No dogs then?

00:44:09Some.

00:44:10But we shan't be relying on them this time.

00:44:18Sit down, Bill.

00:44:27So, Scott's hat is back in the ring?

00:44:30Seems so.

00:44:31Has he written to you?

00:44:33Yes, at considerable length.

00:44:34And?

00:44:35He feels he has a prior claim to the Ross Sea area.

00:44:38And you agree with him?

00:44:40Yes.

00:44:40I must be honest with you, Shackles.

00:44:42If you go to McMurda, and perhaps reach the pole from there, the guilt will be off the gingerbread.

00:44:48I don't quite see it like that, Bill.

00:44:51You can't cut up pieces of the wilderness as if they were the home counties.

00:44:56The insinuation will be that you tried to forestall him.

00:45:00It will be dust and ashes.

00:45:02Bill.

00:45:03It will be at least two years before Scott can even begin to mount an expedition.

00:45:10You know what will happen.

00:45:12If I renounce McMurdo base, the Belgians will step in.

00:45:16Other countries are not going to play by our rules.

00:45:18He feels very strongly that you should have told him of your plans.

00:45:22There were a hundred reasons for keeping those quiet.

00:45:26Scott did the same.

00:45:28Bill, I have to think of my own position.

00:45:34So, what does he propose?

00:45:36I'm not sure what limits he puts on his rights.

00:45:40Limits?!

00:45:41Rights?!

00:45:45Come on, Bill.

00:45:46The base is one thing, but this is beginning to sound like an attempt to keep me out of the

00:45:50Ross Quarter altogether!

00:45:52Yes!

00:45:54Excuse me, boss, but Mr Beardmore is here.

00:45:58Show him in, Frank.

00:46:02I thought I'd come and see things for myself.

00:46:05Welcome aboard, Mr Beardmore.

00:46:08This is Dr Edward Wilson.

00:46:10We were together on the discovery expedition.

00:46:13Indeed. A pleasure.

00:46:16Dr Wilson is trying to persuade me that Scott has a prior claim to the McMurdo base.

00:46:22Is that so?

00:46:24Shackleton showed me the letter.

00:46:27I'm no explorer, Dr Wilson, but I'm apt to speak my mind.

00:46:31If you ask me, it's quite absurd for men from the same country to behave in such a manner.

00:46:37Nature will provide quite enough obstacles without the need of artificial ones.

00:46:42Well, I must be off.

00:46:43Scott will be home soon enough. I'll give him your views.

00:46:46Everything can be resolved, I feel sure.

00:46:49Sorry, Shackles.

00:46:51But a friend is worse than an enemy.

00:46:53He doesn't say what he thinks.

00:46:56Thank you, Bill.

00:46:58Still can't persuade you to come.

00:47:01I only wish you could.

00:47:10I'll find my own way.

00:47:32To be frank with you, Sir John, what I can't understand is why you didn't tell him of my plans.

00:47:37A confidence is a confidence, Captain Scott.

00:47:40We contacted you as soon as we could.

00:47:44He must have had some inkling that I'd want to complete this business myself.

00:47:48There is some demon driving him now.

00:47:51Is it because I sent him home?

00:47:53Who can see?

00:47:57It's all so vulgar, Kelty.

00:47:59Can't the society do something?

00:48:02We can withhold our sponsorship of his expedition, but we really can't prevent it.

00:48:08He has the ship, he has the equipment, and apparently he has the money.

00:48:13Some of it from you, I understand.

00:48:15A token contribution of 500 pounds and a loan of three chronometers.

00:48:20In the circumstances, we could hardly be seen to do less.

00:48:23You know the king is seeing him off personally.

00:48:26I don't understand it, Kelty.

00:48:28Surely every explorer looks upon certain regions as his own.

00:48:32Purely does, I know. Think of Livingston.

00:48:35I'm afraid there are no rules in the matter.

00:48:37Merely a certain etiquette, which one hopes may be observed.

00:48:43Will you see him?

00:48:47Wilson thinks I must.

00:48:49I've arranged to meet him tomorrow.

00:48:54170 degrees west.

00:48:56If we make that the dividing line, then I have to leave McMurdo Sound and the whole of Ross Island

00:49:01to you

00:49:02and make my landing either at Balloon in Latyr

00:49:05or somewhere on King Edward VII land itself.

00:49:08But in either case, east of that meridian.

00:49:11That would greatly ease my mind.

00:49:13And of course shorten your distance from the Pole.

00:49:16But no one knows if it's feasible.

00:49:18As yet no.

00:49:19You would have the honor of being first.

00:49:23As for this west side of the Ross Sea, you feel that I should not touch the coast of Victoria

00:49:29land at all?

00:49:30A fair division.

00:49:32I hope you agree.

00:49:34There are hazards in it from my point of view.

00:49:37But I shall rigidly adhere to it.

00:49:44I owe you an apology.

00:49:47I'm afraid I thought you were deliberately trying to forestall me.

00:49:51But Kelty assures me you knew nothing of my plans.

00:49:54Nothing.

00:49:56It's hard to escape the conclusion that he kept silent in order to make trouble.

00:50:03Are you traveling out in Nimrod?

00:50:05No, I shall join her in New Zealand.

00:50:08I hope to recruit some Australian scientists on the way.

00:50:10Make the best of fortune go with you.

00:50:15Just one last thing.

00:50:17Perhaps it would be as well to put our agreement in writing.

00:50:22Others might misinterpret it.

00:50:25Very well. I'll see to it.

00:50:29In a few months, you'll be in the pack ice.

00:50:33I envy you.

00:50:34Home.

00:50:55January 1908, 22 days out of New Zealand, and we were working our way through the pack

00:51:02that guards the approach to the Ross Sea and the Great Ice Barrier.

00:51:34January 23rd, just at noon, we were off the barrier.

00:51:42These perpendicular ice cliffs, 150 to 200 feet high, run unbroken for over 400 miles

00:51:50from McMurdo Sound in the west to King Edward VII land in the east.

00:51:58These cliffs are but the front of a solid shelf stretching back for hundreds of miles to join

00:52:03the true Antarctic continent.

00:52:16We steamed eastward searching for balloon inlet.

00:52:21Slowly the idea grew in me that the whole section, including the inlet, might have broken away

00:52:28and disappeared.

00:52:38Two days later, and after much maneuvering, I could see it was hopeless to try and advance

00:52:43further east.

00:52:45The ice ahead was rammed hard up against the barrier and it seemed the pack all around

00:52:50us was advancing and might soon force us against the barrier face.

00:52:56We altered course to the west.

00:53:07I did not give up the destined base of our expedition without a strenuous struggle, but the forces of

00:53:13these uncontrollable ice packs are stronger than human resolution.

00:53:26If I had not promised Scott that I would not use his place, I would then have gone to McMurdo

00:53:31Sound

00:53:32with a light heart.

00:53:33But I had promised, and so I felt each mile that I went to the west was a horror to

00:53:39me.

00:53:46January the 29th, and we were in McMurdo Sound.

00:53:54So familiar was the scene, I could scarcely believe six years had gone by since I last

00:53:59saw it.

00:54:08Today.

00:54:13Any more names for the postage, Dan Fisher?

00:54:15Have you put Scott's name down?

00:54:17No.

00:54:18I think we'd better.

00:54:19He might take it amiss.

00:54:21Markham?

00:54:22Beardmore?

00:54:22on the list already thanks Frank I'm sure you've thought of everyone what was

00:54:30all that about well just a bit of fun getting an envelope with an Antarctic

00:54:37postmark is considered something of a rarity

00:54:51Adams Joyce and Wilde had rigged a boom and tackled at the top of the cliff and we brought supplies

00:54:56up

00:54:57all day and every day for the next two weeks our major task was to erect the hut that would

00:55:04be our

00:55:04winter quarters but my main concern was to release Nimrod before the pack ice closed in once more

00:55:13I hoped that within a month she would be safe in Euseinan carrying our letters for home and with

00:55:19them the news of our change of plan I don't know what to say you would agree that is a

00:55:32perfectly

00:55:32plain distinct statement absolutely binding to an honorable man without question it has gone to

00:55:39the base in McMurdo Nimrod's back in New Zealand she brought the news he must have intended to go

00:55:46there from the start oh that I can't believe not Shackleton let me show you what I received through

00:55:56the post this morning an envelope with the McMurdo postmark can you guess what's inside it some sort

00:56:03of explanation nothing absolutely nothing

00:56:15dearest heart by the time you read this we shall be settling down for the long dark winter I have

00:56:23had

00:56:24to break my word to Scott and I wish I were close to you telling it all instead of locking

00:56:29it up in my

00:56:30heart 18th of February 1908 goodbye darling God keep you I think we will get to the pole I cannot

00:56:44write

00:56:44it more my whole heart is with you I am fit and will

00:56:49the boy I love is in the gallery the boy I love is looking down at me there he is

00:57:02can't you see

00:57:03waving on his handkerchief as happy as a penguin that lives in the sea

00:57:13and now sweethearts and wives and may they never be

00:57:41the lights begin to twinkle from the rocks long day wanes the slow moon climbs the deep moans

00:57:52mountains round with many voices come my friends it is not too late to seek a newer world push off

00:58:01and sitting well in order smite the sounding furrows for my purpose holds to sail beyond the sunset and

00:58:10the baths of all the western stars until I die

00:58:17maybe the gulfs will wash us down it may be we shall touch the happy isles and see the great

00:58:24Achilles whom we knew

00:58:26though much is taken much abides and though we are not now that strength which in old days moved earth

00:58:36and heaven that which we are we are

00:58:39one equal temper of heroic hearts made weak by time and fate but strong in will to strive to seek

00:58:50to find and not to yield

00:59:22no perfect peace

00:59:22so

00:59:22with the

00:59:22summoning

00:59:40ORGAN PLAYS

00:59:57ORGAN PLAYS

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