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Table of Contents
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” directed by Mel Stuart and released in 1971, brings Roald Dahl’s whimsical world to life. The storyline follows Charlie Bucket’s adventure upon winning a golden ticket for a tour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. Brimming with vibrant characters, fantastical settings, and unforgettable tunes, this film adaptation has evolved into a cherished and enduring classic.
See the fact file below for more information about the Film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory or you can download our 25-page Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
FILM OVERVIEW
- “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is a musical fantasy film released in 1971 and directed by Mel Stuart.
- Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay based on his 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.
- The film centers on Charlie Bucket, who secures a golden ticket, granting him access to the enigmatic Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
- Overflowing with vibrant characters, surreal settings, and unforgettable musical numbers, the adaptation brings Dahl’s tale to life with its fantastical allure as well as moral lessons.
KEY CHARACTERS AND CAST
- At the heart of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is the eccentric Willy Wonka, portrayed by Gene Wilder.
- Willy Wonka is some sort of a recluse and owns a magical chocolate factory.
- He is known for his flamboyant and unpredictable personality.
- He serves as the tour guide through the fantastical journey of children who won “golden tickets” to explore the factory.
- Charlie Bucket is the film’s protagonist, played by Peter Ostrum.
- He is humble and grew up in poverty.
- Charlie’s life takes a magical turn when he discovers a golden ticket granting him access to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
- Charlie’s character is mainly defined by his genuine nature, resilience, and moral integrity.
- Jack Albertson portrays Grandpa Joe, Charlie’s supportive grandfather, who accompanies Charlie on the factory tour after years of being bedridden.
- The Oompa Loompas, played by a group of actors and manipulated through special effects, are small, orange-skinned characters with green hair who work in the factory and sing catchy songs to educate and reprimand the children who misbehave during the tour.
- Augustus Gloop (Michael Böllner) is a gluttonous boy from Germany who was the first to find a golden ticket.
- His insatiable appetite for sweets and lack of self-control lead him into various misadventures during the factory tour.
- Veruca Salt (Julie Dawn Cole), a wealthy and spoiled girl, secures her golden ticket through her father’s relentless pursuit of success.
- Her entitlement, demanding nature, and materialism lead to humorous and dramatic moments in the factory.
- Violet Beauregarde (Denise Nickerson) is a competitive and gum-obsessed girl who wins a golden ticket.
- Her inclination to chew gum incessantly leads to a unique transformation in the film.
- Mike Teavee (Paris Themmen), an avid television watcher and technophile, secures the fourth golden ticket.
- He has an obsession with technology and a disregard for consequences.
PLOT
- Chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka decides to open its doors to five lucky children who find golden tickets hidden inside his candy bars.
- Charlie, against all odds, discovers the final golden ticket, earning him a chance to tour the mysterious chocolate factory.
- Accompanied by his Grandpa Joe, Charlie joins a diverse group of golden ticket winners: the gluttonous Augustus Gloop, the spoiled Veruca Salt, the gum-obsessed Violet Beauregarde, and the tech-enthusiast Mike Teavee.
- As the children embark on the factory tour, they encounter Wonka’s whimsical inventions, from a chocolate river to the fizzy lifting drinks room.
- However, one by one, the children’s vices lead them into comical and cautionary mishaps: Augustus falls into the chocolate river; Violet turns into a blueberry; Veruca is deemed a “bad nut” and thrown out, and Mike gets miniaturized by Wonka’s television invention.
- Throughout the journey, Charlie and Grandpa Joe remain virtuous, escaping the pitfalls that befall the other children.
- In the end, Willy Wonka reveals the true purpose of the golden ticket search: to find an heir to the factory.
- Despite initial disappointment, Wonka chooses Charlie because of his pure heart.
- The film ends with Wonka and Charlie riding the Great Glass Elevator, soaring above the city.
- Willy Wonka, confident in Charlie’s goodness, shares his chocolate factory’s secrets with his newfound heir.
THE MAKING OF THE FILM
- Gene Wilder, who portrayed Willy Wonka, accepted the role under the condition that he could perform the famous entrance as Wonka limps and then somersaults.
- The element of surprise in that scene was deliberately withheld from the other actors until the actual filming, capturing their genuine reactions.
- The Oompa Loompa dance routines were meticulously choreographed and performed by only one actor, Rusty Goffe.
- The whimsical Invention Room in the chocolate factory was filled with real and functioning machines.
- The team behind the film crafted imaginative candy-making devices, including the iconic lickable wallpaper.
- During the filming of the Fizzy Lifting Drinks scene, the actors were actually floating.
- To achieve this effect, the filmmakers used the technique of reducing the air pressure in the room.
- The actors were attached to harnesses and pulled upward while fans created the illusion of floating.
- To promote the film, the Quaker Oats Company, which financed the production, planned to include a “Golden Ticket” in actual chocolate bars, similar to the storyline.
- However, logistical challenges and concerns about the reaction to not winning a prize caused them to abandon the idea.
THE OOMPA LOOMPAS’ SONGS
- The Oompa Loompas sang songs that delivered moral lessons in a whimsical and musical manner.
- “Oompa Loompa Doompadee Doo” which was Augustus Gloop’s song and emphasizes the consequences of overindulgence.
- “Chew It” focuses on Violet Beauregarde’s habit of chewing gum incessantly, which underscores the importance of moderation and following rules.
- “I Want It Now” is directed at Veruca Salt’s spoiled nature while talking about the dangers of materialism and impatience, Charlie Bucket’s initial temptation with the Fizzy Lifting Drinks and how he redeems himself.
- “Oompa Loompa Doompadee Dee” counts as Mike Teavee’s song, which highlights the negative effects of excessive screen time and the disconnect from reality.
LEGACY AND IMPACT
- Initially met with mixed critical reviews, the film has since gained cult status and enduring popularity.
- It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score and has been recognized for its imaginative storytelling.
- The film’s influence extends beyond cinema, with references in various forms of media, including music, television, and literature, as well as merchandise like action figures and clothing.
- Subsequent film adaptations have been made based on Roald Dahl’s tale, which are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Wonka (2023).
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Brimming with vibrant characters, fantastical settings, and unforgettable tunes, this film adaptation has evolved into a cherished and enduring classic.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Facts
- Who’s the Winners?
- Study the Story
- Vocab Builders
- A New Plot Twist
- And, Scene!
- New Vices
- Factory Storyboard
- Lyric Match
- Other Wonka Films
- If You Loved Willy Wonka…
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played the role of Willy Wonka in the film?
Gene Wilder played the iconic role of Willy Wonka in the 1971 film.
What is the inspiration behind the character Willy Wonka?
Willy Wonka is a character created by British author Roald Dahl in his 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The film is based on this novel.
What is the central plot of the movie?
The film follows the story of a poor boy named Charlie Bucket who wins a contest to tour the mysterious and magical chocolate factory of the eccentric Willy Wonka.
What are the Oompa Loompas, and who played them in the film?
The Oompa Loompas are small, orange-skinned workers in Willy Wonka’s factory. In the film, they were played by actor Deep Roy, who was duplicated through special effects to create the entire Oompa Loompa population.
What is the significance of the Golden Tickets in the story?
The Golden Tickets are a rare find in Wonka Bars, and the discovery of one grants the holder a special tour of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The tickets serve as a central plot element and drive the initial excitement in the story.
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Use With Any Curriculum
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