The Champagne Safari
War & Peace
•
1h 34m
Directed by George Ungar • Documentary • 1995 • 94 minutes
What was a reputed Nazi collaborator doing reconnoitering the Canadian Northwest in 1934? In that year, mogul Charles Bedaux embarked on an ill-fated journey across through the Canadian Rockies. His upper-crust caravan, called "The Champagne Safari," was abandoned and film footage of the journey was lost. Decades later, director George Ungar discovers the film. Using it, he composes this documentary that tracks the wealthy industrialist's life, exploring how his worker-management system left its imprint on the modern world. He also examines Bedaux's Nazi ties, which led to his undoing.
The Champagne Safari is a captivating documentary recounting the previously untold story of this mysterious millionaire's expedition. The puzzle unravels against the stunning backdrops of Canada's remote Northwest, Berlin, Paris, London and the United States.
"An inspired and fascinating documentary about a near-forgotten man. As intriguing as 'Citizen Kane'." —Los Angeles Times
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