I recently came across this clip about a behind the scenes look at the making of the 1950 movie King Solomon’s Mines . I tried finding out more information, but all I could find is the Dodge Power Wagon ad above, along with the following quote. Does anyone else have some more information or photos of the trucks involved?
“A Short on TCM showing the making of the 1950 Stewart Granger movie on location in Africa. This documentary highlighted the 7 Dodge safari wagons. Couple busses on Power Wagon Chassis, a Pilot house 5 ton canvas toped stake rack, another Pilot house 5 ton van body with a canvas top, and a refrigerated van truck for the film and refreshments, and a 1 1/2 ton power wagon for general cargo and utility work. A scout car, an open body with 4 rows of seats and a surry style top, for scouting and hunting was built on a pre pilothouse cassis. The film noted that after slogging through silt and sand and over laval flows, through rivers, desserts and the rest of the African terrain, the total repair bill for the Dodges was 221 dollars American. One 5 tonner was a 2wd drive. Job rated Indeed!!! The refer was a 2wd COE deal that looked kinda like a Off Road Schwann’s truck, making up for the lack of AWD with tall military style tires. The busses were outfitted with roof platforms for load carrying and camera platforms. The 1 1/2 tonners had a Jimmy pole and winch on the front for loading an unloading heavy crates from the beds of the others and hoisting camera up in trees or onto ledges. Neat Stuff. “
Just watched the documentary for the filming of “King Solomon’s Mines” with the Dodge trucks. This prompted me to look for more information. At one time, I worked for AmTran, formerly Ward Bus. Naturally I came to wonder as to who built the bus bodies for the Power Wagon buses? Be fun to know!