Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

 

In all honesty, for years I thought this was a Disney production. I mean, a wonderful story about an inventor and a magical car? Elaborate song- and dance routines (written by the Sherman Brothers, no less) and that colourful and quirky sheen that permeates every ounce of this enchanting story? 

Then imagine my surprise at finally finding out that this is based on a book written by Ian Fleming (yes, the James Bond-author), produced by Albert Broccoli (yes, Bondverse) and stars a host of people and behind-the-scenes crew also involved in the spy franchise? And yet, they managed to almost out-Disney in the wonderous department. 

As they say in French: faut le faire.

And it rightfully is a wonderful film, full of imagination and beauty. 

We start off with a short backstory on the car itself, as we see it winning Grand Prix after Grand Prix during the opening credits, until a crash ends its reign. Several years later, the car is now dilapidated and on a garage's yard, being used as a plaything by the two Potts' children. But when they hear that the car will be sold off for scrap, they rush home to ask their father - inventor Caractacus Potts - if they can buy her. Alas, the man doesn't have the money, but as luck would have it, he invented a type of sweets that can double as musical instruments. So it's off to a nearby sweets manufacturer, whom, as luck would have it, is also the father of our love interest Truly Scrumptious.

Yes, that is a name. Yes, it is silly and yet endearing at the same time. 

Things don't work out as well, though. But when Caractacus goes to the local fair, he manages to scrounge together enough money to buy the car and then proceeds to fix her up. Not only that, but as soon as she's ready, they're off to the beach and there he tells a tale of the nasty Baron Bomburst, who desires this car. This is almost like a second film, in which the Potts and Truly head off to the country of Vulgaria, as Bomburst has kidnapped Grandpa Potts. Here, they get involved in a plot to free all children of Vulgaria, as the baron and his wife hate children and have outlawed them, aided by a sinister child catcher. 

This is a fanciful film, filled to the brim with memorable tunes and elaborate dance routines, but most of all it works because the actors are so good. Dick Van Dyke is his chipper self as Caractacus, the children are for once not annoying but actually cute, Sally Ann Howes is great as Truly, Lionel Jeffries is sidesplitting as the grandfather and then there's Benny Hill in a rare serious role as the Vulgarian toymaker. Maybe best (and weirdest) of all is Gert Fröbe, Goldfinger himself, playing the toy crazed baron and having a blast singing and dancing.

Yes, it's an absolute smorgasbord of acting and singing and thanks to the colourful portrayals, it all etches itself in the mind. 

Not to be detrimental to it all, but the child catcher did give me nightmares when I was about 5, FYI. 

If you're looking for wholesome and fun entertainment for the whole family that is timeless and fun, then this is it. It's a masterpiece. Sure, it might be a bit too long and it does feel like a bit of a different film once the Vulgaria storyline kicks in, but try and resist its charm. 

I double dare you.