Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mr grits (A) on December 07, 2011 at 23:20:35

of this well put together documentary of Charles E. Bedaux. The story starts out with the real film shot on Bedaux's safari across uncharted NW Canada in 1934. This story serves as an excuse to look at the entire life and business of Bedaux who was father to scientific management via efficiency studies. He also created the Bedaux Unit which I'm sure business history touches on but of which no real definition is given.

Bedaux came from Paris and opened his management company run out of his first apartment with his new bride as his secretary. His methods had some validity and Bedaux seemed to be an expert talker. His techniques put him on the 63rd floor of the Chrysler Building and spread world-wide from America to Europe. His wealth became enormous and he was sought out as a friend of industrialists, royalty, and the famous. His 16th century chateau in France was a gathering place for the international bon vivants and home-wedding chapel to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Life was good until Hitler came to power and Bedaux announced he was apolitical interested only in the progress of man. He continued to do as much business as possible until the Reich finally seized his company much to his disappointment.

Bedaux also muddied up his reputation with the allies by making a few trips with the Windsors for publicity. Once war broke out Bedaux put business first and stayed on in Europe (rather than return to America) to protect his business interests.

His story is complex but quite remarkable in that a small (5'7") man could impress so many and accomplish so much.

If you are into the history of the era this is a nice side street to take. His 1934 Canadian safari is just a small platform to show his full story and is worth a watch.