SCOTT OF THE ANTARCTIC

This is a documentary-like account of the ill-fated British expedition to the South Pole that ended in 1912. Sticking closely to Scott’s journal, it plays down his probable errors of judgement in order to focus on his reckless courage and the loyalty of his men.

Many of the team’s actual possessions were used to increase the sense of authenticity, but the cast is rarely allowed to demonstrate the humanity behind the stiff upper lips. John Mills is splendid in the title role, although he nearly came a cropper when he fell through the snow while filming in the Alps.