Figure 1.--Willie is pictured coming from an unidentifid European country. All the other children have very definite nationalities--including the German boy who wears a Bavarian jacket and lederhosen..

Based on the children's book by Ronald Dahl, a noted Norwegian/British author of children's books. (See also: "James and the Giant Peach.") The movie is about several children who are potential winners of a lifetime supply of candy. The greedy, dishonest, bratty children eventually loose out, and it is poor Charlie who has a heart of gold that eventually wins. (I don't know of a nicer boy ever depicted in the films.) The movie was filmed in Germany. Charlie, the main character is a super little guy. He was selected after an extensive talent search with only a little experience with local dramatics. He had never done a film before, and didn't do any after this one. Very disappointing costumes. Charlie and the boys at his school all wear longs. Bit of a shame that Charlie wears longs, he is really a sweet little chap and just the right age with a beautiful smile. Charlie's national identity is a bit unclear. There is only one boy in shorts during the entire film, the German boy--Agusto. He is nicely done up wearing shortish lederhosen, black knee socks, and leather shoes. He has only a small role. He is usually in the background and is dispensed with early, but there are a few nice scenes. The American boy also wears longs, an uninteresting cowboy outfit.

Created: December 26, 2003
Last updated: Dedcember 26, 2003