Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory is a fantasy family film. Based on the book by Roald Dahl called ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ the film stars Gene Wilder in the title role and was directed by Mel Stuart. A remake was done with the book’s title in 2005 starring Johnny Depp as Wonka.

The film was not a big success when it was first released although it did make a profit, this was partly due to a lack of promotion. However, over the years it has gained cult status and is now considered a true classic children’s film. At the time Dahl was not happy with the departures from the book and eventually disowned the film.

Without a doubt Gene Wilder’s inspired portrayal of the slightly eccentric, possibly psychotic Wonka is the crowning glory of the film and some have said that this is his best ever performance. The support cast; including Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket and Jack Albertson as Grandpa Jo, are superb and bring the quirky humour of the story to life.

A young boy, from a poor family, wins a ticket to a tour of the famed Chocolate Factory along with four other children. He meets the unconventional owner Willy Wonka and avoids mishap throughout the tour, unlike the other children who all end up somehow entangled in the factory processes.

Cinema release 1971

Certificate U

Available in DVD and Blue Ray