‘Willy Wonka’ 50 Year Anniversary

Iconic 70’s Movie Hits Milestone

“Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” hit movie theaters on June 30, 1971. 50 years ago! While I didn’t see it in theaters, it is a movie from my childhood. It’s always a reality check when a favorite movie, song or book from my youth turns the big 5-0.

Gene Wilder Perfectly Cast as Willy Wonka

Allegedly the members of Monty Python expressed interest in playing Wonka. According to Wikipedia Fred Astaire was considered for the role and Peter Sellers wanted to throw his (top) hat into the ring. Imagine Peter Sellers as Wonka. Ultimately, and thankfully the title role went to Gene Wilder

“Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” wasn’t a huge success at first but has (obviously) turned into a cult classic. The “Condescending Wonka” meme is popular on social media and keeps the movie in the public eye.