IN THESE modern times, pop stars are dubbed legends, footballers are congratulated for their bravery, and overweight people are courageous if they run a marathon for charity.

Gradually the true meaning of the words has become devalued, but if ever a person deserved such accolades, then it was Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton.

His fearlessness was forged alongside the personality traits of perseverance, optimism and an iron will to beat the odds...and he did.

The story goes that the newspaper advertisement for the expedition read something like this: "Men wanted for hazardous journey.

Small wages.

Bitter cold.

Long months of complete darkness.

Constant danger.

Safe return doubtful.

Honour and recognition in case of success."

The advert went nowhere near to describe what they would endure, but what was eventually accomplished was far more incredible than the original goal.

The film, recently unveiled at Rheged, is rightly billed as "The Greatest Survival Story Of All Time."

Narrated by Kevin Spacey it also features three of the world's famous climbers - Conrad Anker, Reinhold Messner and Stephen Venable - who attempt to recreate the last leg of Shackleton's journey.

They marvel in wonder how he ever managed it, with Messner remarking: "I think that experiences like this are not even imaginable."

Ernest Shackleton's cousin, Jonathan, who has visited the Antarctic six times, attended the launch having made the journey across the sea from Mullagh, County Cavan, in the Irish Republic.

Two years older than his ancestor was when he died at the age of 48, Mr Shackleton stands more than 6ft tall, has a fly-away fringe of greying hair, and has a soft Irish lilt.

He said: " The film gives an excellent portrayal of what Antarctica is like, especially as it was filmed on location in Antarctica; including many of Frank Hurley's remarkable photographs and movie film taken during the actual expedition.

"It really adds to the authentic feel.

It is not too long and combined with the dramatic format it has appeal to all ages."

Not to be confused with either the Kenneth Branagh adaptation, or a Channel Four documentary, Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure is being shown all year on the giant cinema screen, the size of six double-decker buses.

"It is one of the best about the Endurance trip," said Mr Shackleton.

For further details contact Rheged on 01768-868000.