The Secret Land - Admiral Richard E Byrd in Antarctica (1948)

Released in 1948, "The Secret Land," directed by William Keighley, Wendell Corey, and Herbert Morgan, chronicles the U.S. Navy's Operation Highjump expedition to Antarctica from 1946-1947. Led by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, the massive undertaking involved 13 ships, over 4,000 men, and aircraft to map the continent, establish bases like Little America IV, and secure strategic resources. Narrated by Robert Taylor, Robert Montgomery, and Van Heflin, the film blends live-action footage with re-enactments of perilous moments, including plane crashes and ice rescues, highlighting the harsh beauty and hazards of the polar region. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.