Shackleton's Captain

For other works about Shackleton, see Shackleton (disambiguation).

Shackleton's Captain is a 2012 New Zealand documentary directed by Leanne Pooley.^[1] The film chronicles the 1914–1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton, focusing on the pivotal role of Captain Frank Worsley in ensuring the crew's survival after their ship, the Endurance, was trapped and crushed by Antarctic pack ice.The documentary combines expert interviews, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments to provide an in-depth perspective on Worsley's leadership and navigational expertise.^[2]

Shackleton's Captain
Genre	Documentary, Adventure
Written by	Leanne Pooley, Tim Woodhouse
Directed by	Leanne Pooley
Starring	Craig Parker, Charles Pierard, Hugh Barnard
Country of origin	New Zealand
Original language	English
No. of episodes	1
Production
Producer	James Heyward
Running time	85 minutes
Production company	Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion
Original release
Release	1 April 2012 (2012-04-01)

Content

The film recounts the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, emphasizing Captain Frank Worsley's critical contributions. After the Endurance becomes immobilized and eventually destroyed by pack ice, Worsley's exceptional seamanship and precise celestial navigation are instrumental in guiding the crew to safety. The documentary highlights the harrowing journey across treacherous ice, perilous seas, and uncharted territories, showcasing Worsley's determination and skill in the face of overwhelming odds.

Production

Shackleton's Captain was produced by Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion in collaboration with Making Movies. Directed by Leanne Pooley, it features Craig Parker as Captain Frank Worsley. The film utilizes historical accounts, including Worsley's diaries and Shackleton's memoirs, as primary sources.^[3] Filming locations included New Zealand and the Southern Ocean.^{[citation needed]}

Cast

• Craig Parker as Captain Frank Worsley
• Charles Pierard as Sir Ernest Shackleton
• Hugh Barnard as Tom Crean
• Blake Henshaw as John Vincent
• Tony Graimes as Timothy McCarthy
• William Hemming as Harry McNish
• Robert Ireland as Frank Wild
• Additional roles played by actors portraying the Endurance crew.

Awards and nominations

Shackleton's Captain was nominated for Best Feature or Drama Documentary at the 2012 New Zealand Television Awards.Additionally, Leanne Pooley received a nomination for Best Director – Documentary, and Simon Baumfield was nominated for Best Cinematography – Documentary/Factual.^[4]