This 30-minute retrospective documentary offers an enjoyable and illuminating glimpse at the making of the cult classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Director Mel Stuart reveals that his daughter was the one who introduced him to Roald Dahl's book and the reason he shot the film in Munich, Germany was to ground it in a certain timeless world that was impossible to exactly place. Producer David L. Wolper discusses how he raised the money for the budget by tying the film in with the promotion of a new candy bar. Screenwriter David Seltzer talks about creating the character of Slugworth for the movie and the circumstances behind coming up with the last line in the picture. Gene Wilder admits that his one stipulation for playing Wonka was having Wonka be first seen limping with a cane before doing a somersault in order to convey that Wonka was a sneaky and deceitful person. Best of all, all five child thespians who played the Golden Ticket winners are interviewed: Peter Ostrum was told to read the book after he was cast as Charlie because the script wasn't written yet, Michael Bollner couldn't speak any English, and Veruca Salt's demise was shot on Julie Dawn Cole's thirteenth birthday. Moreover, we also find out what the Wonka kids are now up to as well as learn that Sammy Davis Jr. wasn't cast in the small role of the candy man because director Stuart wanted to keep the film as realistic as possible. Essential viewing for fans of the movie.
