Bear Flat Dispatch: The champagne safari rides again

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The North Peace Historical Society once again held a screening of the award winning 1995 Canadian documentary “The Champagne Safari” last Friday night that was very well attended. 

Wikipedia describes the film as: “A portrait of industrialist Charles Bedaux, it focuses primarily on his controversial Bedaux expedition through northern Alberta and British Columbia in 1934, including Floyd Crosby’s original footage of the expedition that had long been believed lost until being found in Paris in the 1980s…..”

The film alternates between his personal life with business dealings around the world, and the Northern BC expedition.

Whether one approves of his business practices or not, the story of his life in a rapidly changing world before and during WW2 is fascinating.  However, the “Safari” he undertook through Fort St John on his quest to take a fleet of half-track trucks through to Telegraph Creek was also incredible and publicized around the world. 

The purpose and logistics of the trip were literally bonkers with a huge crew, string of horses, vehicles, and a bizarre entourage with their luggage.  Spoiler alert: they don’t make it, but they have a well-documented adventure along the way.  

One can only imagine how welcome it must have been for the locals who were employed. Money was tight during the depression, and Bedaux offered not only employment for a lot of people, but at very good wages.  However, the trip was much more than just trying to go from point A to B. 

A Hollywood movie maker filmed the journey, including many crazy made-up stunts, and a renowned BC land surveyor came along and officially named landmarks along the way after members of the expedition.  And, of course, there was the cases of champagne and other fancy supplies not normally associated with an exploration expedition.  

Even when Bedaux made the decision to turn back, it seems extra time was given to embellishing the movie production as described by Williard Freer in the book “Kechika Chronicler”:

“We did not move.  We are working for the movies.  We are having forest fires, the camp burning and everybody leaving in a hurry, horses stampeding with packs and I don’t know what.  It snowed last night.  The wild west pictures!”  

Having worked in the mountains as a big game guide, I can somewhat imagine just how crazy this must have been for the local cowboys.  I have guided some extravagant rich clients, but Charles Bedaux brought things to a whole different level in 1934 that has not been seen since.  Yet, he seemed to have a good working relationship with those in his employ, with no sign of discontent or bad feelings between himself and the crew.

As the film documents, there is much debate about Bedeux’s relationship with various nations, especially Nazi Germany, and where his allegiance lay if anywhere. 

For what it is worth, I don’t think that concerned him as much as just being an opportunist in the quest for money, adventure, and safeguarding his family and business interests.  Regardless, Charles Bedaux most definitely added an interesting chapter in the history of Northern BC. 

If you want to learn more about the Bedaux Expedition, perhaps the best account is by Bob White in “Bannock and Beans,” available at the North Peace Museum in Fort St John (Full disclosure; I am a board member).  Also, if you have spare time while at the North Peace Regional Airport, you can check out the free exhibit titled “Safari through the North Peace”  Or check out this online exhibit from the Hudson’s Hope Museum.