Recently skipped through a past Leonard Maltin Film Review 'bible' and was almost disgusted to see the he (or one of his hacks) gave the movie in question 1 1/2 stars! It claims the Music delivers no memorable song, and that the Special Effects stink. I saw this movie back in 1971 in an Austrian Cinema. It was dubbed. The song went "...Hei! Ho! Shitty Shitty Bank bank..." (sic)but still... It was a memorable experience. Since, I have seen the film countless times now, with my two kids and we all adore it, and sing along to its MANY great songs. The 'special' effects are charming, and appeal to children, as their 'collage' quality arouses a suspension of disbelief... which is more POWERFUL.. and just what children want! Anyone who enjoyed Mary Poppins, will find many similarities between the two films, as, much of the cast and crew were shared, as well as more than a couple of Dance routines. The Songs were penned by the same songwriters, too... And James Bond fans will be interested to now that Albert 'cubby' Broccoli produced 'Chitty...' after 'Thunderball' (or was it 'You Only Live Twice'?) and utilized the submarine base set for baron Bomburst's hidden Dungeons where children are kept in dreadful conditions. But more due must go to Roald Dahl's quirky, somewhat perverse imagination when it comes to the 'darker side' of the movie , than to Ian Fleming, as another 'commenter' claims. The film is long, but has many highlights and very few pitfalls. So HOORRAY for courageous Producers,Directors, Art Directors, Actors and Scriptwriters. To Musicians and Directors of Photography... in short to ALL who have the VISION to leave us with real pearls which stand the test of time! Viva Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
Review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
