Publisher's Synopsis
Double bill of silent documentaries following expeditions that took place during the first quarter of the 20th century. 'The Great White Silence' (1924) follows Captain Scott and his crew on their race to the South Pole from 1910 to 1913. The film looks at the ups and downs of their ill-fated journey, examining the difficulties and disappointments they faced, as well as showing the camaraderie among the men. It also explores their remarkable surroundings and features various wildlife including the Adélie penguins. The footage was captured and later edited by Herbert Ponting and is accompanied by a newly-composed score by Simon Fisher Turner. 'The Epic of Everest' (1924) charts the 1924 British Mount Everest Expedition during which mountaineers Andrew Irvine and George Mallory met their untimely deaths. The expedition marked the third attempt to make the first ascent of the mountain. It remains under debate whether Irvine and Mallory made it to the summit but they were last seen 800 feet from the top before they disappeared. Mallory's body was discovered in 1999 but Irvine's has never been found. The film was recorded by Captain J.B.L. Noel and captures the progress of their journey.
