Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). A film based on a Roald Dahl book, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the story was about Willy Wonka, owner of the most famous chocolate factory, who opened the gates of his factory to five lucky winners of the golden tickets, which can only be found inside a Wonka bar. Among the kids who dreamt of winning the ticket was Charlie, a poor boy who lives in a shanty with his parents and grandparents. He was lucky to have won the last of the five tickets, and together with his grandfather, they toured inside the factory with 4 other winners (and one adult companion) coming from different parts of the world.
I first got to watch this movie through the betamax tape our neighbor lent us. As a kid it was difficult for me to understand most of the words, but a great thing about kids' movies is that you can just watch it and be amazed with it. When I watched it, I also started day dreaming of the Wonka factory being real, and wished I could tour inside it - bearing the lessons of the movie of course.
What I loved about this movie was the lessons it impart. It taught viewers to listen, honor their parents, and dream. I liked how each of the kids were taught a lesson because of their bad attitude, and I also liked that Charlie did something bad, too, but he made up for it by talking to Willy Wonka about it.
This story was remade in 2005, which I watched on the big screen, but despite the new technology, I still preferred the old version much more. I guess the simplicity and the fact that the old movie made me dream about a magical chocolate factory was something that will always be a part of my childhood. However, I so much love the Oompa Loompas on the new movie.
"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" starred Gene Wilder as was directed by Mel Stuart.
And yes, it really was scrumdidilyumptious!
*** Jenn ***
