The version made by Mel Stuart in 1971 where Gene Wilder performs the role as Willy Wonka offers a fantasy journey through song and music while capturing the ominous atmosphere of Dahl's work.  The story focuses on Charlie (Peter Ostrum), a selfless and thoughtful kid, who would rather share the little he has than keep it for himself.  At home Charlie's mom works hard doing other people's laundry while taking care of his four bedridden grandparents including Grandpa Joe.  Besides attending school Charlie also has a job as a paperboy and he shares his meager income with his poor family members.  It is a hard life for him and his family, but they get by as their kindness to one another makes the hardships tolerable.

In Charlie's home town there is a chocolate factory owned by Willy Wonka.  People in the town are creating their own mysterious myths in regards to the chocolate factory, but one thing is for sure, these myths base on the fact that no one has ever seen anyone enter or exit the factory including Willy Wonka whose identity is still unknown.  However, it appears that Willy Wonka has decided that he will invite five strangers that get a golden ticket from a chocolate bar that they buy.  This seems like a brilliant marketing ploy, as the mystery around Wonka creates a frenzy for Wonka chocolate bars.

The people of the world begin their quest for chocolate bars, as they desire the few available tickets that would lead them into the secrets of the Willy Wonka chocolate factory.  Five children find the tickets, as some of the children display some undesirable traits such as gluttony, sloth, greed, envy, and pride.  Even the names of the characters offer a hint towards what deadly sin they are leaning toward, as their name refers to the action that creates the unwanted train.  For example, for gluttony you have Gloop, Teevee (that should be read: TV) for sloth, and the more interesting Salt for greed as salt once was considered to have much value to all people.

Ultimately, all of the five children with an accompanying family member get to meet Willy Wonka who brings them into the magical kingdom of his chocolate factory.  Through the journey the children's negative traits begin to show, and eventually take control of each child to which the audience gets to hear the wonderful Oompa Loompa Doompa Dee Do song.  Each time the audience hears the song a new lesson is taught in regards to good manners and what impact they can have on the persons life.  This song is truly a highlight of the film, as the Oompa Loompas characters sing and dance.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Facotry is a wonderful film for both children and grown-ups, as both can learn the lessons of a good upbringing.  The story becomes more intriguing through its colorful and fantasy-like mise-en-scene, which Mel Stuart cleverly captures in the well framed film.  Gene Wilder also provides an enigmatic performance with clownish moments that enhance the fun for all viewers.  Also, the script and musical elements push the story into a lighthearted, yet ingeniously thoughtful portrayal.  When it all comes to an end the audience will have laughed, felt suspense, and had something to ponder through the many lessons that the film offers.

DIRECTED BY

COUNTRY

USA

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