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Which Game Show Did Emma Show Want To Participate In? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

It turns out that Emma Stone’s ultimate Hollywood dream has nothing to do with red carpets or golden statues. In a throwback from early 2024, the Poor Things star revealed something fans didn’t see coming: she applied to be a contestant on Jeopardy! every single year, and keeps getting turned down.

The Oscar-winner with two Golden Globes and three SAG Awards still hasn’t cracked the clue board. “That’s my favorite show. That’s my dream,” Stone said during her appearance on the Awards Circuit podcast. According to her, it’s not as easy as just signing up. To get on the legendary game show, you’ve got to pass a quiz, and you can only take it once a year. She’s been at it every June. So far? No luck.

“They don’t tell you how you did,...

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This March, Tubi is bringing you a lot of entertainment, from the brilliant comedy-drama series Loudermilk to the beloved sci-fi drama series Timeless. However, for this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Tubi in the next month and have a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the five best movies coming to Tubi in March 2025 with a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (March 1) Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92% Credit – Warner Bros.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory is a musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart from a screenplay by Roald Dahl. Based on Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the 1971 film follows Charlie, a poor young boy who gets a chance to explore a famous but mysterious chocolate factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka.

'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' stars Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen have joined a new musical parody.The two actors - who played Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee respectively alongside Gene Wilder in the original 1971 movie - will take part in a live stage reading of 'Willy's Candy Spectacular', which is inspired by the disastrous 'Willy's Chocolate Experience' event in Glasgow earlier this year.The upcoming musical parody will perform live stage readings at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with the former child stars each stepping in as narrators.Cole will be part of the cast from August 9 to 18, with Themmen then stepping into the role from August 19 to 26.The musical is inspired by the real life 'Wonka' event which was originally advertised as an "immersive experience" as organisers promised a "magical realm" for visitors.Although the promotional material was full of promise thanks to AI-generated images,...

The infamous Willy Wonka experience is making its way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as a parody musical. More here.

There are few films as universally beloved as 1971’s Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (pictured). Despite author Roald Dahl reportedly hating the film, the public took it to their hearts, with classic songs like Pure Imagination entering the public consciousness.

Even though we now how three screen Wonkas – Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp and Timothee Chalamet (four if you count this) – Wilder’s Wonka is generally considered the definitive version. Tim Burton’s 2005 film, while closer in tone to the book, divided fans, not least due to Depp’s portrayal of Wonka, although it’s certainly true that Tim Burton’s visual style and updated special effects bring the chocolate factory to life in a way the 1971 film couldn’t.

Then, last year’s Wonka made people fall in love...

Because memes never truly die, the disastrous Willy Wonka exhibit that spawned such viral images as the sad Oompa Loompa and ‘The Unknown’ now has a fully produced musical parody on the way titled Willy’s Candy Spectacular. Because that alone isn’t absurd enough, original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory actors Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen have officially joined the cast.

Cole and Themmen, who respectively portrayed Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee in the 1971 classic, will serve as narrators in live stage readings of Willy’s Candy Spectacular, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The readings are set to go down at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with Cole leading the production from August 9th to August 18th and Themmen taking over from August 19th to August 26th.

Notably, Kirsty Paterson, the memed sad Oompa Loompa, is also set to appear. Other names involved include Shelly Regner (Pitch Perfect series), Eric Petersen,...

After more than 50 years, two actors are diving back into the world of Willy Wonka (sort of). Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen, two of the child stars of 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, will participate in a live stage reading of Willy’s Candy Spectacular, an upcoming musical parody inspired by a disastrous Wonka event that made international headlines earlier this year.

Cole played the insatiable Veruca Salt in the classic movie starring Gene Wilder as chocolatier Willy Wonka, while Themmen played the cowboy hat wearing Mike Teavee. Both will participate in a live reading at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, serving as narrators. Cole will lead the cast from Aug. 9 to 18, with Themmen stepping in from Aug. 19-26.

Willy’s Candy Spectacular was inspired by a real-life Wonka event in Scotland, which organizers advertised as “immersive experience” that would transport Willy Wonka fans to a “magical realm.

As fans of Mel Stuart's 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" can likely tell you, author Roald Dahl hated the film. His original 1964 novel, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," was, he felt, not a whimsical, sentimental story, but a Dickensian odyssey into a surreal landscape. Additionally, Dahl hated the casting of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, preferring British actor Spike Milligan. Too much was changed from his original text. Why adapt a book to screen, Dahl felt, if you're going to alter everything? 

Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...

Roald Dahl's beloved novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has been re-imagined countless times over the years. The first film adaptation, titled "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," was released in 1971 and starred Gene Wilder as the eponymous chocolatier. Decades later, director Tim Burton put his own spin on the children's tale with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starring Burton's long-time friend and collaborator Johnny Depp. The movie was a critical and financial hit, but not everyone was a fan. In fact, Wilder himself spoke out against the 2005 film.

Dahl's original story was a huge inspiration to Burton, but the director was let down by the '70s cinematic interpretation. "I didn't feel as daunted by the [first] movie," he told Blackfilm.com in 2005. Instead of using the 1971 film as a point of reference, Burton instead used Dahl's source material as a "blueprint" to guide his movie. "Our goal, except...

While there are many people who take issue with the constant stream of remakes, reboots, and reimagining of well-loved films, it seems that when it comes to the cast of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, they cannot wait for more interpretations of the off-the-wall Roald Dahl character. Speaking to People Magazine as part of the 50th anniversary of the movie, actors Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Paris Themmen and Michael Bollner, who appeared as, in order, Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Mike Teevee and Augustus Gloop in the movie, shared their opinions on the Johnny Depp remake and the newly announced Wonka prequel.

While 2005's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory received mixed reviews on its release, Ostrum, who is now 63, looks at the Johnny Depp and Tim Burton collaboration from an angle often missed by many quick to dismiss what a remake can do for an original version of a movie.

On June 30, 2021, the beloved family film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory celebrates its 50th anniversary. Peter Ostrum (“Charlie Bucket”), Paris Themmen (“Mike Teevee”), Julie Dawn Cole (“Veruca Salt”) and Michael Bollner (“Augustus Gloop”) recently sat down together to reflect on 50 years of the perennial family classic.

Originally released on June 30, 1971, directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as the legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka, this splendiferous movie brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s cherished book. Coated with flavorful tunes and production designs that are a visual treat for the eyes, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And viewers will rediscover all the timeless...

Fans are looking back at Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with fun nostalgia in honor of the iconic movie's 50th anniversary. Starring the late Gene Wilder in one of his most memorable roles, the movie is based on the Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was first seen by audiences when it premiered in theaters on June 30, 1971, now making the classic movie 50 years old.

In Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, a young boy named Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) wins a tour of Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory after finding a special Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar wrapper. Bringing along his grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson), Charlie and a group of other children from around the world make their way through the factory as Willy tries to decide which one to pass along his business to following his retirement. It's a simple story that works so well,...

Paris Themmen, the actor who played Mike Teavee in the Gene Wilder-led 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, says Timothée Chalamet is “a talented actor,” but that the 25-year-old star doesn’t “have to be as good” as Wilder for Warner Bros.’ planned prequel Wonka.

Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.

“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...

Paris Themmen, the actor who played Mike Teavee in the Gene Wilder-led 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, says Timothée Chalamet is “a talented actor,” but that the 25-year-old star doesn’t “have to be as good” as Wilder for Warner Bros.’ planned prequel Wonka.

Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.

“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...

Burbank, CA – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that the perennial family classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on June 29. Called a “genuine work of imagination” by Roger Ebert, the film stars Gene Wilder in one of his most famous roles.

Directed by Mel Stuart from a screenplay by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was produced by Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper. The film is an adaptation of Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as Wily Wonka, Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket, Roy Kinnear as Mr. Salt, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt, Leonard Stone as Mr. Beauregarde, Denise Nickerson as Violet Beauregarde, Dodo Denney as Mrs. Teevee, and Paris Themmen as Mike Teevee.

Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution...

Actress Denise Nickerson, best known for playing the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died. She was 62.

Nickerson’s family announced her death in a Facebook post late Wednesday night. “She’s gone,” Nickerson’s son Josh and his wife Jasmine said.

On Wednesday morning, Nickerson’s family shared that the actress had been taken off of life support. “They just took off all the equipment. None of it was helping, but making her only more uncomfortable. We’re telling her it’s okay to let go,” the couple wrote on the page they created...

Willy Wonka child star Paris Themmen threw Twitter into a frenzy when he appeared on Jeopardy! this week — but it turns out, he was just following in his wife’s footsteps.

Themmen’s wife of four years, Nikki Grillos, had a two-day run as a champ on the game show in 2015, when she took home $32,802, according to a fan-created archive site.

Yeah, I lost Jeopardy, but Barry Bostwick used my cell phone tonight, so... #what

— Nikki Grillos (@NGrillos) October 31, 2015 Willy Wonka (inset: Nikki Grillos and Paris Themmen)" />

On Tuesday, Themmen — who played young TV and cowboy enthusiast Mike Teevee in...

He tried to play it cool — calling himself an "entrepreneur" instead of a "former child actor" — but TV viewers still recognized Paris Themmen, one of the contestants on the March 13 episode of Jeopardy!. As many fans excitedly tweeted, Mike played the television-addicted Mike Teevee in the beloved 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The 58-year-old didn't even mention his claim to fame when Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek asked him for a fun fact. Instead, he talked about his love for backpacking, saying he has trekked through six of seven continents. And fans were confounded, to say the least. "@ParisThemmen, why talk about backpacking?" asked one Twitter user. "Why wouldn't you mention that when you were 11, you got invited to a chocolate factory in Germany and got split up in a million pieces then shrunk down to the size of a chocolate bar. Total missed opportunity if you ask me.

Paris Themmen has fulfilled his Willy Wonka character’s obsession with getting on television.

The former actor, 58, who played young TV and cowboy-enthusiast Mike Teevee in the classic 1971 film, kept his Hollywood past a secret when he appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy!

During the portion of the show when host Alex Trebek asks contestants about their personal lives, Themmen was introduced as an “entrepreneur” and “avid backpacker.” While he revealed that he’s traveled to 61 countries, he did not mention his role in the movie.

Jeopardy!" /> Willy Wonka." />

But it didn’t take long for sharp-eyed viewers to...

Look who got his golden ticket again This weekend, Paris Themmen, the original Mike Teavee from the classic 1971 Warner Bros. film, visited the hit Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Once again, Wamg attended the 2017 Turner Classic Movie Film Festival in Hollywood, and as always, it did not disappoint!

Ahhh…so many movies, so little time to cover everything, but here are some highlights of my favorite movies of this year’s festival.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Shown poolside at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, this classic was perfect for opening night. Brightly colored inflatable balls and lights floated in the pool like some of Wonka’s best candies as guests enjoyed snacks and cocktails on a beautiful spring evening. In attendance for this special screening were some of the cast members of the original movie. Miss Veruca Salt herself, Julie Dawn Cole; Mike Teevee, also known as Paris Themmen; and one of the original Oompaloompas, Rusty Goffe.

Along with host Illeana Douglas, they recounted some great memories of being on the set of the film in Germany more than 45 years ago.

Julie Dawn Cole, the child actor who so perfectly embodied the spoiled, vitriolic Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory that a '90s alternative rock band named themselves after her, has weighed in on the death of her former co-star Gene Wilder on Twitter with a few simple, heartfelt words: Such very sad news. Words not enough. Treasured memories ???? — Julie Dawn Cole (@realverucasalt) August 29, 2016 While none of the other Wonka kids have yet spoken out on Wilder's death, we'll keep you updated if and when more of them pay tribute. Cole, for the record, has continued to act since starring in the 1971 classic and even paid homage to her most famous role in a show at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe festival entitled Willy Wonka Revisited: The Veruca Salt Sessions. Two years ago she reunited with Wonka co-stars Paris Themmen (Mike TeeVee), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop...

American treasure and crown jewel in Gene Wilder's spectacular oeuvre Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory turns 45 this week. To celebrate, not only have we justly singled out the crime that was Gene Wilder getting passed over for an Oscar, but we're also giving fans an anniversary-based roundup of obscure facts and trivial bits about everyone's favorite vaguely sinister candy factory. 1. Wilder only accepted the role on one condition In a letter to director Mel Stuart, Wilder wrote that he'd read the script and would take the part on the condition that, "When I make my first entrance, I'd like...

American treasure and crown jewel in Gene Wilder's spectacular oeuvre Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory turns 45 this week. To celebrate, not only have we justly singled out the crime that was Gene Wilder getting passed over for an Oscar, but we're also giving fans an anniversary-based roundup of obscure facts and trivial bits about everyone's favorite vaguely sinister candy factory. 1. Wilder only accepted the role on one condition In a letter to director Mel Stuart, Wilder wrote that he'd read the script and would take the part on the condition that, "When I make my first entrance, I'd like...

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory cast has reunited for the classic film’s 44th anniversary. Willy Wonka Reunion All of the child stars in Willy Wonka – Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee) and Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop) sat down for an interview on NBC’s […]

The post ‘Willy Wonka’ Cast Reunite For Film’s 44th Anniversary appeared first on uInterview.

It’s not exactly a milestone celebration, but this year marks 44 years since the release of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the classic musical adaptation of Roald Dahl‘s classic book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. To celebrate the occasion, the five golden ticket winners (Peter Ostrum, Paris Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole, Michael Bolner and Denise […]

The post Votd: ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ Kids Reunite for 44th Anniversary appeared first on /Film.

When released in 1971, no one thought Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory would live on for eternity, remembered 44 years later as one of the all-time greatest family films ever made. But here we are, on the sweet tasting anniversary of this beloved classic, and it's more popular than ever. And the adventure, based on the works of Roald Dahl, continues to charm generation after generation. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory may look a tad dated with its practical painted sets and special effects that were of the era, but it has never lost its magic. And being an odd duck of a movie, it has decided to celebrate an odd duck anniversary. To look back on 44 years of candy-coated bliss, The Today Show gathered some of the original cast for a sit down chat. And this is one gang that's sure to rot out your teeth with their sugary smiles.

Forty-four years after Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory's theatrical premiere, six original cast members – five golden ticket winners, one Oompa Loompa – reunited for an interview with Today, reminiscing about their life-changing roles. "We think of ourselves as a family," says Paris Themmen, who played the hot-headed, cowboy-obsessed Mike Teavee. "Maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family. But a family, really."

Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole (bratty Veruca Salt), Michael Bollner (gluttonous Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde), Peter Ostrum (wide-eyed protagonist Charlie Bucket) and Rusty Goffe (the head Oompa...

It's been 44 years since Willy Wonka first hit theaters in 1971, and although we as viewers feel lucky to have experienced the film, it's the cast of kids—some of them grandparents now!—from the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel who really feel like they've been blessed. Sitting down with the Today show on Wednesday, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Buckets), Paris Themmen (Mike Teavee), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Rusty Goffe, Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) and Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop) couldn't help but gush about being part of the film and how they're all still connected by it. "We think of ourselves as a family, maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family, but...

Whether you’re into Doctor Who and Star Wars or The Wire and Sherlock, there’s a great line-up of special guests coming to the NEC on 22-23 March for McM Birmingham Comic Con and Memorabilia. Here are just a few of them!

British actor, writer and director Phil Davis has appeared in a host of top TV shows including Whitechapel; Sherlock, Being Human, Merlin and Doctor Who, while his movie credits include Alien 3, Quadrophenia, Notes On A Scandal, Secrets & Lies and Vera Drake, for which he was BAFTA-nominated. Paul McGann – Famous for playing the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who television film – a role he reprised in 72 audio dramas and the 2013 mini-episode ‘The Night of the Doctor’ – and for starring alongside Richard E. Grant in much-loved 1987 black comedy Withnail And I. Clarke Peters – Best known as detective Lester Freamon in acclaimed crime drama The Wire, as well as...

Gene Wilder doesn't think he's funny -- at least not in real life.

"[People] say, 'What a comic, what a funny guy,' and I'm not -- I am really not -- except in a comedy film," said the actor, who made a rare public appearance Thursday night (June 13) at the 92Y in New York City. "I also make my wife laugh once or twice in the house, but nothing special."

It's a bit odd to hear Wilder, known for playing comedic roles in films, including "Blazing Saddles," "The Producers," and "Young Frankenstein," to say something like this. Then again, Wilder always was a dramatic actor at heart, studying at renown institutions the Old Vic, in England, and Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, in New York, before earning acclaim in his now classic comedies.

Last night, Wilder spoke about his career in and outside of show business, with Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osbourne.

Chicago – One of the most unique happenings in Chicago every year is “The Hollywood Show.” This annual event presents celebrities from TV and film, both from the nostalgic past and the current scene. In September of 2012, the show included Loni Anderson (“Wkrp in Cincinnati”), Oscar Winner Martin Landau and the reunited cast of “Lost in Space,” all meeting fans and signing autographs.

HollywoodChicago.com covered the event, and photographer Joe Arce put the show’s participants in front of the lens. “The Hollywood Show” will be back in Chicago in September, 2013. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

HOLSHOW1: Loni Anderson of ‘Wkrp in Cincinnati.’ HOLSHOW2: Another view of Loni Anderson. HOLSHOW3: Oscar winner Martin Landau of ‘Ed Wood’ and ‘The Majestic.’ HOLSHOW4:...

Chicago – One of the great children’s films is “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” released in 1971. As the movie celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a lavish new Blu-ray package, the main child star of film, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), made an appearance at the 2011 Chicago Wizard World Comic Con.

Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket was the focus character in the film, finding the “Golden Ticket” that led him through the magical chocolate factory of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). He was 13 years old during the filming, and famously never acted again. He appeared at the Chicago Comic Con with fellow cast members Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (Violet), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) and Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee).

Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’

Photo Credit: Warner Home Video

HollywoodChicago.com was there, and got a quick interview with the now grown-up Charlie Bucket. Ostrum...

Chicago – The holidays are a perfect time to remember some of 2011’s great entertainment events, and one of them was the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, which took place August 11th-14th. Celebrities such as Anthony Michael Hall, Lou Gossett Jr., LeVar Burton, Peter Tork and Bruce Campbell were there.

HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce turned his lens to the event, and captured the following slide show. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

Comicon1: Anthony Michael Hall, star of ‘The Breakfast Club’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’ Comicon2: Mimi Rogers of ‘The Rapture’ and ‘World Poker Tour’ Comicon3: Oscar Winner Lou Gossett Jr. of ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ Comicon4: Vivica A. Fox of ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Comicon5: Hey,...

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If someone had informed this obsessive fan of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 40 years ago, that I could hold a real Wonka Golden Ticket in my hands, watch behind-the-scenes footage and read a book on the making of my favorite film, examine script correspondence, listen to cast commentaries and dive into all sort of Wonka memorabilia in one big box, I probably would not have come up for air for weeks. In fact my reaction would probably have been a lot like Charlie’s when he discovers the last Golden Ticket.

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Fans of Willy Wonka – rejoice! Has Warner Bros. Home Video got a golden treat in store for you, just in time for the holidays. The 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition has just been released in one, big, heavy purple box, the...

While it is considered a classic today, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" was not a hit upon its 1971 release and was even criticized by some people who thought it was mean to children.

But in directing the adaption of the Roald Dahl book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," director Mel Stuart crafted a tale for adults, not kids. That is probably a big reason why it has endured and influenced everyone from "The Simpsons" to Marilyn Manson, on top of the brilliant performance from Gene Wilder as the eccentric yet calculating candy maker. And let's face it, kids love it too. They get it.

The imaginative story about five children who win a tour of Willy Wonka's top secret confectionary plant -- and the chaos they create with subsequent consequences they did not foresee -- is filled with all sorts of great characters, from Wonka to the irrepressibly bratty...

The cast of the 1971 "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" movie appeared on the "Today Show" to celebrate the film's 40-year anniversary and to talk about their experiences being on the set. Check out the video below. In attendance were Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket, now a veterinarian), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt, now acting/fitness instructor), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee, now financial consultant), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde, now an accountant), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop, now a tax accountant), and Diana Sowle (Mrs. Bucket). Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka), Rusty Goffe (Oompa Loompa) and Mel Stuart (director) couldn't make it to the show. Jack Albertson, who played Grandpa Joe, passed away in 1981. Video:...

Forty years after finding their golden tickets, the lucky kids who first met in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory have reunited.

No word on whether the snozzberries still taste like snozzberries, but there's good news: no giant purple floating girls this time.

Nearly all of the surviving cast of the 1971 film, based on Roald Dahl's beloved novel, was brought back together by the "Today Show" on Tuesday, all grown adults but no less fond of their magical adventure.

"I have very fond memories of making the film, working with Jack Albertson and Gene Wilder, they were both super people to work with," said Peter Ostrum, who played lucky winner Charlie. He's now a veterinarian in upstate New York.

There was even a confession of guilt: Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt, admitted that she snuck down early to see the magical set, which was supposed to be off limits...

The cast of 1971 kids' classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory reunited on U.S. TV on Tuesday to celebrate the movie's 40th anniversary.

The film, based on Roald Dahl's beloved story and starring Gene Wilder as reclusive chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka, is one of the most famous children's films of all time.

And 40 years on, the kids who played the lucky Golden Ticket winners got together on America's Today show to discuss their favourite moments shooting the movie.

Peter Ostrum, who played the film's lead Charlie Bucket, says, "I have very fond memories of making the film, working with (Grandpa Joe) Jack Albertson and Gene Wilder, they were both super people to work with."

Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt, revealed she sneaked down to look at the candy-filled set during filming, while Denise Nickerson, who played Violet Beauregarde, laughed about how she was blue for 72 hours after shooting her famous blueberry scene.

Co-stars Paris Themmen and Michael Bollner also appeared on the show.

Oh, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory... We all know the path of Wonka himself, Gene Wilder. He went on to be an iconic part of Mel Brooks' oeuvre, the a-mazing partner in crime to Richard Pryor, "Letterman" in The Electric Company, and now -- memoir writer and novelist. But what about the kids he tormented with sweets and all things full of nice sugar and spice? Charlie Bucket, Violet Beauregarde, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, and Mike Teevee? CNN gives a rundown with a group picture from the film's 30th anniversary, which you can see below, and then head to Celebuzz for current shots.

From left to right (below):

Michael Bollner, or Augustus Gloop, is a tax attorney in Munich. Denise Nickerson, or Violet Beauregarde, went on to play a role in Dark Shadows before leaving the biz and becoming an accountant at an engineering plant. Paris Themmen,...