Captain Cook — Obsession and Discovery

“I had ambition not only to go farther than any man had been before, but as far as it was possible for a man to go.” James Cook

Geographer, historical consultant and bestselling British author Vanessa Collingridge searches for the man behind the legend as she traces his story in a series that is part biography, part travelogue—and completely enthralling.

A hero to some, a villain to others, this son of an English farm labourer described more of the globe than any other man in three incredible voyages.

Discover the man and his times. Step back into the 18th century to experience what it was like to navigate uncharted and unknown waters in search of a legendary Great Southern Continent and then a North West Passage through the Arctic ice; as well as to be among the first Europeans to visit exotic Pacific islands like Tahiti.

Witness Cook's discovery of Hawaii. Sail the uncharted coast of New Zealand, proving it isn’t part of the ‘great south continent'. Land with Captain Cook at Botany Bay as he claims Australia for king and country—a ‘discovery’ that goes unquestioned for over a century.

Meet the men of the Endeavour, Resolution, Adventure and Discovery, and learn what sea-life was like for the sailors and scientists who made it all possible, including the celebrated gentleman-botanist Joseph Banks and a young naval officer named William Bligh.

It’s a tale of obsession and discovery, respect and brutality, courage and madness, from the pomp and splendour of the royal courts of England to death on a beach on the far side of the world.

Episode 1: A Likely Lad

Episode 2: Taking Command

Episode 3: Beyond Speculation

Episode 4: North West Passage

A Film Australia National Interest Program. A Cook Films, Ferns Productions, South Pacific Pictures and December Films production. Produced with the assistance of New Zealand On Air, the Canadian Television Fund and Film Victoria, in association with History Television, ZDF in co-operation with ARTE and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. An Australia - Canada Co-production.

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Executive Producer Film Australia

Mark Hamlyn

Executive Producers

John Barnett, Stephen Amezdroz,
W. Paterson Ferns

Supervising Producer

Tony Wright [Australia]

Producer

Andrew Ferns [Canada]

Series Producer

Paul Rudd

Directors

Wain Fimeri, Paul Rudd, Matthew Thomason

Writers

Wain Fimeri, Paul Rudd, Matthew Thomason

Geographer and
Historical Consultant

Vanessa Collingridge

Classification

PG (Mild violence, Sexual references)

Duration

4 x 53 minutes

For Teachers

Free download clips and teaching resources at Film Australia Digital Learning

Download Teachers Notes here

What the Critics Have Said

THUMBS UP!
"Narrator Vanessa Collingridge manages to draw the viewer into this majestic journey with her bountiful enthusiasm."

Sydney Morning Herald

"It's a lively presentation of history supported with good vision of the exotic scenes Cook encountered: tropical orgies, New Zealand cannibals and hip-throbbing Tahitian dancers."

Weekend Australian

"An intriguing examination of the way technology, society and the man's own talents combined to produce a figure who, quite literally, changed the world." Sunday Age

"Must See TV"

Daily Telegraph

5 Stars!

Time Out Magazine

SHOW OF THE WEEK
"The location work in Yorkshire, Canada, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii and Australia is wondrous to see."

Sydney Morning Herald

"the most comprehensive documentary ever made about James Cook." Daily Telegraph

"uses expert testimony, re-enactments and visits to actual locations to bring the story of James Cook to life."

Canberra Times

"This enthralling documentary carefully balances the insights and narrative of British author Vanessa Collingridge and re-enactments of Cook's expeditions without interfering with the enthralling story that unfolds."

Sydney Morning Herald

Press Kit

Captain Cook — Obsession and Discovery Press Kit

On Air

Episode 1 'A Likely Lad' screened on ABC TV at 7.30pm on Sunday 28 October 2007.

Episode 2 'Taking Command'  screens on ABC TV at 7.30pm on Sunday 4 November 2007.

Episode 3 'Beyond Speculation'  screens on ABC TV at 7.30pm on Sunday 11 November 2007.

Episode 4 'North West Passage'  screens on ABC TV at 7.30pm on Sunday 18 November 2007.