Mel Stuart , born Stuart Solomon ( September 2 , 1928 -- August 9 , 2012 ) , was an American film director and producer . Stuart directed the fantasy-musical `` Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory '' ( 1971 ) .
Mel Stuart ( born Stuart Solomon ; September 2 , 1928 -- August 9 , 2012 ) was an American director and producer who is known for directing such movies as ; `` Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory '' , `` Two is a Happy Number '' , and '' '' .