The Secret Land
The Secret Country is an American documentary from the year 1948.
Action
The film documents the Operation High Jump, a program of the U.S. Navy for the exploration of Antarctica. The operation is under the direction of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The expedition consists of three groups. One group, under the command of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, to explore the countryside around the base of Little America and explore. Two other groups are to explore and map the coast to the east and west. The groups must adhere to a schedule in order to exploit the Antarctic summer can.
Ships transport teams, scientific equipment and supplies to the base, including sled and dogs. Rough seas prevented a landing at Scott Island. Despite the flashback, the men celebrate Christmas on board the ships. The group of Admiral Byrd, the central group is dependent on an icebreaker that will take them through the frozen Ross Sea. The group to explore the western coast, while its reach another island, early explorers started from the with flying boats. One finds the former camp of Robert Falcon Scott.
The central group is still struggling with the difficult conditions. The accompanying submarine is damaged by ice floes, the icebreaker freed it. The submarine is sent to New Zealand. The western group is waiting for the ice breaker and studying penguins, seals and other wildlife of the Antarctic fauna. The central group reached Little America, unloads the scientific apparatus and builds, favored by the midnight sun, a tent city and an airstrip. Byrd takes the first landing. A snowstorm prevented further launches and landings. Through a hole one of the men reached an earlier station, which was buried by ice and snow. Because of the cold stocks are preserved there. Expedition Aircraft explore the area, divers test newly developed cold-water wetsuits.
The eastern group has set up their quarters on the Balleny Islands. One discovers the Prince Charles Mountains and the snow- free Bunger Oasis. As the Antarctic summer ends, the fleet is trapped in the ice. An icebreaker freed the ships that now run towards home. Byrd and some volunteers remain in Little America to undertake a further air reconnaissance.
It is shown how dangerous the company was. A plane of the eastern group crashed. After two weeks of search the survivors were rescued. Three men did not survive the crash, one of the survivors lost due to frostbite both legs. At the end of an icebreaker Byrd and his men pick you up and bring them home.
Background
The film was produced by the U.S. Navy in collaboration with MGM. The premiere was held in New York on August 13, 1948. The animated maps shown in the film were produced by MGM cartoonist Fred Quimby. The Speaker of the film were Robert Montgomery, Van Heflin and Robert Taylor.
During the expedition were used: one aircraft carrier, two destroyers, two seaplane - catering, two tankers, two icebreakers, two support ships, a communications ship, a submarine, 26 aircraft and 30 helicopters. Approx. 5,000 people (scientists, soldiers, sailors, etc.) were on board the ships.
Reviews
Bosley Crowther of The New York Times described the color pictures are as vivid and fascinating. The scope of the operation and its importance are explained clearly on excellent animated maps, the explanations presented competently by the narrator.
Awards
1949, the film in the category Best Documentary was awarded the Oscar.