Director: Ken Hughes
Starring: Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Gert Frobe
Year: 1968
You know what Chitty Chitty Bang Bang correctly learned from Mary Poppins? That Dick Van Dyke can’t do a British accent. Now, it makes no sense why an American man is raising two Engish children in England with his English father, but hey, suspension of disbelief, and *maybe* they tell you in the book. Regardless, this musical is as charming as Mary Poppins and the like, with a whimsy that will sweep up all ages and magic that will never grow stale.
Potts is an inventor, although nothing he invents really works. His children, Jeremy & Jemima, don’t care though, they love their father no matter what, even if he is a little all over the place. One day, they all meet Truly Scrumptious, the daughter of a candy magnate, and their world gets turned upside down. More so even when their grandfather is kidnapped by bizarre Teutons who are dead set on seizing the wonderful car that Potts has just built from an ol’ hunk’a’junk. The car, Chitty, is very unusual, and takes the family on a daring adventure to rescue Grandpa, to lands far away and beauties untold.
This book was written by Ian Fleming, of James Bond fame, and the screenplay was done by Roald Dahl, of Charlie Bucket fame, so that’s a cool combination, especially when you add in the Sherman Bros, who are musical legends. All that, plus Dick Van Dyke, plus a ridiculously entertaining story, culminate in a very, very special film, a classic that never ages. It’s about imagination, about never giving up, about dreams, about family, and about how wonder waits around every corner; what more could you ask for? Add in some of the most memorable songs you’ve ever heard, Benny Hill as a German-esque toymaker, and some ridiculously spoiled aristocrats, and you’ve got success that will live forever.
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★