Written and produced by Mayor Jenny Wilson, The Grand Rescue recounts the legendary three day rescue on the North Face of the Grand Teton by seven national park rangers who were pushed to the edge of their abilities and cemented a lifelong bond.
This documentary holds a special place in my heart as my father, the late Ted Wilson, was one of the heroic Jenny Lake Rangers highlighted in this film. I was only two years old when my dad embarked on this treacherous 60 hour rescue mission.
It was my honor to turn my family campfire lore into an inspiring documentary and it is my honor to share this harrowing rescue with you.
I look forward to engaging with you in a panel discussion followed by an outdoor movie screening of The Grand Rescue.
About
The Grand Rescue is a story about a rescue that became legend. In 1967, on the North Face of the Grand Teton, seven rescuers risked their lives to save a severely injured climber and his companion. The rescue took three harrowing days, pushed the team to the edge of their abilities, and cemented a lifelong bond. Remarkably, once safe, the injured climber publicly criticized the very men who risked their lives to save his. Looking back after 40 years, the rescuers and survivors recount the trial with a mixture of honesty and unabashed candor.
It was August 22nd around 2:00 pm when a young graduate student and his female climbing companion became stranded on a narrow ledge 13,000 feet high. A boulder had broken free and showered the climbers with rock fall leaving Gaylord Campbell with protruding compound fractures. The young national park rangers quickly went to work, relying on innate skill, instinct and trust. History was about to be made…the rescue was the first one on the feared North Face – an unprecedented rescue for its time, due to the climber’s severe injuries and unknown terrain.
