Shackleton's Captain

Sir Ernest Shackleton is a name synonymous with Antarctic exploration, with his most famous — and disastrous — expedition being that of 1914-1917, on board the ship Endurance. Perhaps lesser known is the captain of Endurance; an Akaroa-born Kiwi named Frank Arthur Worsely. Shackleton's Captain (based on John Thomson's book of the same name) uses expert interviews, archival footage and dramatised scenes to show Worsley's  vital role in the crew's survival. Directed by renowned documentarian Leanne Pooley, the TV film was a co-production between Kiwi and German companies. Craig Parker plays Worsely.

When Shackleton hired men, he did it completely with a gut instinct. Worsely was so full of exuberance and enthusiasm for things, and i think Shackleton would recognise that as something that would give a phenomenal amount of lift to an expedition...

– Pauline Carr, former curator of South Georgia Museum

Key Cast & Crew

James Heyward

Producer, Writer

Craig Parker

As: Frank Worsley

Charles Pierard

As: Ernest Shackleton

Tim Woodhouse

Editor, Writer

Simon Baumfield

Cinematographer

Leanne Pooley

Director, Writer