The PBS documentary, American Experience: Alone On The Ice - The Story of Admiral Richard Byrd, tells the remarkable story of one of America's most famous and controversial polar explorer.  In an age of heroes, Admiral Bryd was one of the world's greatest.  An explorer, aviation pioneer and scientist, Bryd was also an egotist, risk-taker and according to his critics, a self promoter that took credit for the accomplishments of others.  Admiral Bryd first gained fame when he claimed he had made the first flight over the North Pole.  To Bryd's chagrin, some claimed, however, that he had actually fallen short of flying directly over the North Pole.  Undeterred,Bryd set out dor Antartica wherehe would be the first to fly over the South Pole.  Then in 1934 after "conquering" the North and South Pole he took on perhaps his greatest adventure, enduring the winter alone in a hut on the South Pole.  While this last feat almost cost Admiral Bryd his life, he continued to explore well into the 1950s.  This video draws on compelling archival footage, interviews with family members, colleagues and historians to tell the remarkable story of Admiral Richard Bryd.  This video is certain to appeal to antone interested in 20th century American history.  This documentary is narrated by David McCullough.  Full screen in black & white and color.  Released in 1998.  Runtime 60 minutes.