Scott of the Antarctic 1948

Funding and planning begin

Captain Scott is given the men but not the funds for a second Antarctic expedition. He faces mixed reactions as fundraising is attempted; Liverpool businessmen are skeptical while schoolchildren rally to fund the dogs. Scott also encounters Fridtjof Nansen, who argues that only dogs should be used for propulsion. A government grant helps push the project over the line, with economies needed to make it work.

Nansen advises dog power

Scott visits Fridtjof Nansen, who insists that a polar expedition must use dogs rather than motor sledges or ponies. The advice creates tension with Scott's evolving plan. The encounter highlights the clash between traditional methods and new technology. The guidance informs later logistical decisions.

New Zealand stop and voyage south

After securing funds, the expedition stops in New Zealand before sailing for Antarctica. The crew readies provisions and equipment for the arduous journey ahead. The voyage marks the transition from planning to the actual expedition.

Coastal camp and Midwinter Feast

The ship reaches the Antarctic coast and the men set up a base camp. They endure the first winter in the harsh climate, celebrating a Midwinter Feast on 22 June 1911 to boost morale. The wintering period returns to a rhythm of work and waiting for the spring.

Spring trek begins with ponies and dogs

In the spring, a small contingent with ponies and dogs heads toward the polar region. At halfway, the ponies are shot for food, and some men are sent back with the dogs, narrowing the expedition's mobile strength. The remaining team continues toward the pole with the aim of reaching it in good time.

Five-man push team selected

At the three-quarter mark, Scott selects a five-man team to push on to the Pole and plans to return by the end of March 1912. The chosen team leaves the main party to undertake the dangerous ascent. The rest of the expedition remains as a support group, aware of the risks.

Pole reached; Amundsen's flag

The five-man team reaches the South Pole to find Roald Amundsen's flag already planted there. They also discover a letter requesting that Scott deliver the news to the King of Norway. The moment dampens their mood and highlights the fierce competition of polar exploration.

Return journey and fossils reveal past warmth

On the return trek, Wilson shows fossils of sea plants and trees and a coal fragment discovered in the ice, proving the Antarctic was once a warmer place. Scott notes that such discoveries could have economic value, even as the party faces hardship. The team struggles with fatigue and dwindling supplies.

Evans dies; Oates' decline begins

Evans suffers a serious hand wound that worsens and he collapses, dying and is buried in the snow. The loss magnifies the strain on the survivors as their health declines and the march toward safety becomes increasingly desperate.

Oates sacrifices himself

Oates, increasingly frostbitten and weak, chooses to leave the tent and walk into the cold, sacrificing himself for the others. His disappearance buys time for the remaining men but seals their fate. The trio continues the struggle in the brutal conditions.

Final march ends in tragedy

With supplies exhausted, the remaining three die in their tent just 11 miles from a supply depot. Each leaves farewell letters documenting their experiences and hopes. Scott's diary entries reflect the resolve to persevere despite the looming catastrophe.

Months later: camp discovered

A rescue party finds the completely snowed-over tent and recovers the explorers' diaries. The discovery fuels public interest in the tragedy and cements their legacy as heroic explorers.

Cross, names, and legacy

The recovered records lead to the erection of a wooden cross bearing the five dead and the inscription honoring their sacrifice. The scene underscores the lasting memory of the expedition and its fallen members.