In disfavour, Captain Robert Falcon Scott is an explorer without an expedition. Finding rivalry not only abroad but amongst his peers at home he is secretly overjoyed when Shackleton's expedition to the South Pole fails spectacularly.

Preparing for an expedition to the North Pole in defiance of government opposition, Amundsen confides to his brother his secret plans to take the South Pole. This coup would sway public opinion in his direction and sweep away the negative comments of the government hardliners.

Scott discovers that Amundsen is also heading for the Pole and the race is on. Friction amongst the crew is growing and the horses are found to be unsuitable but more bad news is yet to come.

The rivalry between the two expeditionary teams increases and they both discover just how harsh and unforgiving Antarctica can be.

When the spell of bad weather breaks, Amundsen's team manages to surge ahead, though they have no choice other than to start eating their dogs. Scott reasserts his authority as frustrations cause friction amongst the members of his team.

Scott's team is gradually disintegrating and resentment amongst its members runs high. He intends to split his team in two - one travelling onwards to the Pole while the other returns to base.