Who can take the sunrise, sprinkle it with dew, cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? Why, none other than world famous reclusive chocolatier Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) who, after years of hiding away and keeping his candy making processes a secret, decides to reopen the gates of his factory and give a tour, plus a lifetime supply of chocolate, to whomever finds the five Golden Tickets hidden in his chocolate bars. One of those lucky winners is impoverished Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) who, along with his Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson), joins the tour alongside gluttonous Augustus Gloop, spoiled Veruca Salt, habitual gum chewer Violet Beauregarde and television obsessed Mike Teevee and their respective parents. As the day progresses, Charlie and Grandpa Joe meet Wonka’s workers, the diminutive orange Oompa Loompas but also see each of the other children eliminated one by one.

Such an iconic film, even if Roald Dahl, himself, hated it. He was mostly sore that the studio passed on his pick for Wonka, Spike Milligan. In fairness, though, the studio had plenty of options for casting. The legendary Peter Sellers reportedly begged Dahl for the role and well known song and dance man Joel Grey was the front runner for the part until the director dismissed him for not being physically imposing enough. Fred Astaire also expressed interest in the part but, at 72, felt he was too old for the job. Sammy Davis, Jr. also wanted in on the action as Bill, the candy store owner. He was turned down but still added “The Candy Man” to his repertoire of songs. Gene Wilder was happy to accept the role, on one condition, his entrance. He insisted on Wonka entering the scene as a crippled man and then executing the somersault to throw off people’s expectations. Obviously, the studio made the right call agreeing to his terms.