With Byrd at the South Pole (1930)

Winner of 1 Academy Award:

Best Cinematography

Joseph T. Rucker

Willard Van der Veer

It won 1 Oscar out of a total of 1 nomination in 1929-30.


With Byrd at the South Pole is a documentary that focuses on "the conquest of the last mighty forces of Nature."  Rear-Admiral Richard E. Byrd is the Conqueror of the North and South Poles, the only man to fly over the top and bottom of the world.  The achievements of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition merge with Paramount to present a story of great human adventure recorded by two ace cameramen as Byrd makes an historic Polar flight over the South Pole.

It was the first documentary film to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography and the first documentary film to win an Academy Award for any category, in general.


Editorial:

This milestone in documentary film-making should be mandatory viewing for any audience that enjoys nonfiction storytelling.  It is a one-of-a-kind movie for its time that can only be described as a daring and courageous tribute to realism cinema.

With its goal of capturing history on camera, its diplomatic approach to wildlife and the human condition, and its enthusiasm for exploration and adventure, there is virtually nothing that viewers are left wanting with this bold effort - especially when taking into account the beautiful photography!

Score  |  09/10  |  This motion picture may be required viewing.