Le pays secret

Although released some 71 years ago in black and white, The Secret Land is a living visual documentary testament of the fortitude of the 4,700 men of the United States Navy, Air Force and Army. This film is delivered under the pretense that the United States was interested in exploring the vastness of the sub zero temperature of Antarctica to map out the land for its minerals and oils and was led by Admiral Byrd's post World War II expedition to Antarctica.

This film is just so interesting from so many perspectives. First, Admiral Byrd was responsible for leading more than a dozen ships, even more planes and helicopters, as well a submarine was also deployed. Unfortunately the submarine was unable to make it through the deep thick glacier ice and the film shows us their audience where it got stuck and how the men pulled it out before it sunk with the 300 men aboard and turn around for safer open water. Secondly the planning of this expedition was completed in about three (3) quick months, and if the over 4,000 men was not significant enough, the huge amount of food, visual and technical equipment, husky dogs, sleds, and tents just added to the expanse of the filming in the Antarctica.

I am a believer in conspiracy theories, and since this documentary type film was made shortly after the end of world War 2, I for one am going to assume that the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army quickly deployed a fleet of ships, planes and a submarine as well to the Antarctica to counter what other large and competitive foreign countries such as Russia, Germany and maybe even China had already deployed in the Antarctica. Regardless of the real reasons the United States made this film, it is a sight to see if for nothing else but to see these hardy men stepping out on to the plains of the Antarctica with what today would be considered antiques and survive in sub 30 degree weather, day in and day out.

I have watched this film twice now and I am sure to watch it again as it is very impressive both for the cinematography of the cold and vast Antarctica, but also for its historical value of the men and their equipment that they used some 70 years ago. I give this excellent film a 9 out of 10 rating.