Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb 52 out of 58 people found the following review useful: James Bond goes to Romper Room from Los Angeles, Ca 22 June 2001 I'm one of many thirty-somethings that grew up on this movie and later suffered nightmares featuring the Child Catcher. To this day, I still feel an uneasy chill when I hear the words "kiddie-winkies". Bit I still love this film on several levels. I loved it as a child because it's great cinema for children. I love it as a film student because it's a well-crafted, timeless fairytale. And I love it as an adult because it full of suggestive double meanings, much like the Warner Bros cartoons of the 1940s - the type of things that shoot straight over kids' heads and make adults snicker knowingly. With a screenplay penned by Ian Fleming, this should come as no surprise. Dick Van Dyke is Caractacus Potts, a wacky inventor who inexplicably lives in England with his two inexplicably English children. Caractacus Potts...wacky inventor,,,get it? Hoo hah!

Potts and his two children (whose pictures may be seen in the dictionary next to the word "moppet") live with the senior Mr. Potts in a windmill/labratory. Caractacus rescues a junked motorcar from rusting in a field and restores it to new - meet Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, named for the sounds the car makes. Soon thereafter in one of those Pipi Longstocking-esque child-arranged dates, Potts and his two children go on a picnic with local richgirl Truly Scrumptious - possibly the best Bond Girl name since Pussy Galore. As the day winds down, Potts tells the children a story, in which the foursome embark on a great adventure in the resplendent Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which Potts as rigged to fly, float, drive itself, and perform other turn-of-the-century Batmobile-like functions. Our heroes end up in a far away kingdom ruled over by the Baron and Baroness Bomburst (Gert Frobe and Anna Quayle), a terribly sad place where children have been outlawed, rounded up, and kept in a dungeon.

The gang and Chitty invade the kingdom to rescue Potts' father, who has mistakenly been identified as the inventor of the flying car and kidnapped. There, they befriend a toymaker (played by Benny Hill in one of his stock characters from his TV show) who hides the children while they attempt to spring grandpa Potts. Enter the Child Catcher, who lures the children with free lollipops and takes them away to the dungeon. Potts and the toymaker (who now only makes toys for the child-like king) hatch a plan to infiltrate the castle, rescue the elder Potts and the twin moppets, and free all the other children as well. I have two favorite scenes in this film. One is the musical number in the castle, where Truly and Potts are disguised as huge toys for the Baron's birthday. Truly is a wind-up doll on a music box, and Potts is a marionette who does a dance number that not only convinces you that he really is on strings, but that Dick Van Dyke is one of the most talented performers ever to be caught on film.

My other favorite scene, I admit with guilt, is the one where the Baron and Baroness are readying themselves for bedtime, and prancing around the room in nightclothes calling each other by ultra-gooey-cute pet names. However, whenever the Baroness isn't looking, Baron Goldfinger takes a swing at her with an axe. It's the most entertainingly erotic scene in a kiddie flick since Natalie Wood was covered in cream pies while wearing only frilly turn-of-the-century underwear in "The Great Race". This film is a rare treat. It's a film that appeals to kids and keeps adults interested at the same time. Let your kids watch it, watch it with them, or just watch it yourself when you're in the mood for some pure, escapist fun. And try not to think about the Child Catcher when you go to bed afterward. Was the above review useful to you? 44 out of 54 people found the following review useful: Surprised folks wouldn't like this delightful film! from California 12 May 2003 It surprises me that some people think this is a horrible film.

I was 3 when this film was released and for as long as I can remember I've loved it! The songs are fun, especially Hushabye Mountian, Chu-chi Face and Me Ole Bamboo. This movie is both light, cheery as well as dark and creepy, the Child Catcher to this day is one of the scariest villians I know! And know it is a fabulous musical in London! Hopefully someday it will come to Broadway, I'd love to see it on stage!. Was the above review useful to you? 37 out of 45 people found the following review useful: Great Comic and Fantasy Film from Canada 21 December 2004 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was one of those films from my childhood that I never outgrew. Every song, every outrageous comic moment tattooed itself on my memory and my heart. I love this film. It's funny, it's touching and it's beautifully made. True, it's not for the cynical or for those who want realism. For those, however, who seek adventure, comedy, great songs and most of all fun this classic 60's musical delivers it all in great style.

A truly fun family film, although very small children may not be able to sit still through the entire movie (even with the Intermission). CCBB will always be at the top of my favourite movie list. Do yourself a favour if you like fun musical comedies and see Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes do some truly scrumptious work. Was the above review useful to you? 38 out of 47 people found the following review useful: One of the best children's movies ever made from Reigate, England 3 October 2004 My two sons (now 4 and 2) have been obsessed with this movie for over a year now. They sing along to the songs and dance too - when old bamboo comes on, they pick up their sticks and hats and copy the routine. This is like an extended pantomime, with the scariest pantomime baddie in the history of movies. My brother couldn't sleep for a week after first seeing the childcatcher when he was 8. Anyway, this movie has everything - humour, pathos, great acting (and great casting), great songs and a great script (thank you Roald Dahl).

I cannot fault this movie apart from the fact that it is a little long and the bit where they go off to vulgaria is a bit overextended. My family has now been to see the stage show twice too, and we are all firm "bang bang" nuts. If your kids have not seen this movie, then they haven't had a proper childhood! Was the above review useful to you? 26 out of 28 people found the following review useful: This is a timeless classic that out-Disneys Disney. Author: giblin 27 August 2006 Plain and simply, this is one of the best family films ever made. The fact that someone other than Disney made the film seems to have blinded some pundits (e.g., Disney scholar and film critic Leonard Maltin) to its many and varied charms. For "Chitty," in fact, originated in the book by James Bond creator Ian Fleming and, horror of horrors, was produced outside Hollywood by Albert Broccoli, the man behind the successful Bond film series.

Yet, a closer look at the credits reveals the presence of the same musical composers, the much-heralded Sherman Brothers and Irwin Kostal, who could do no wrong when they wrote for Disney, but somehow left their talent behind when they signed on with Mr. Broccoli. (Note Maltin's comment in his 2007 film guide that the film's score is "forgettable.") The same apparently happened with the choreographers Dee Dee Wood and Marc Breaux, who are universally acclaimed for their work on "Mary Poppins," but ignored, at least by Maltin, for the snappy and often elaborate routines in "Chitty." In fact, the songs, background music and dances here are as good or better than anything in Disney and often actually advance the plot, rather than grinding it to a halt in the more customary way. A case in point is Caractacus' "Old Bamboo" song and dance routine, which provides not only an instantly memorable tune (and dance), but also the financial means to save Chitty from the scrap heap.

The cast itself is nothing short of superb, with American comic actor Dick Van Dyke wisely eschewing any attempt at an English accent, something many of us wish he had done a few years earlier in "Poppins." (In a 1998 appearance on the Rosie O'Donnell show, the self-effacing Mr. Van Dyke acknowledged his limitation in the area of English accents.) The actors playing the children are a genuine delight, charming and sincere without being cloying, while the supporting cast is filled with more marvelous British character actors than one can count, not the least of them being Lionel Jeffries (actually six months younger than Van Dyke, whose father he was playing) and comedy legend Benny Hill in a rare straight role. And if that's not enough, there's always the scene in which Goldfinger himself (German actor Gert Frobe) sings and dances! Then there is the simply stunning cinematography by Christopher Challis, the marvelous costumes by Joan Bridge and Elizabeth Haffenden, and the fantastic production design by Oscar-winning designer Ken Adam, whose high ceilings and sloping walls are instantly identifiable from such classics as "Goldfinger" and "Dr.

Strangelove." And unlike "Poppins," which is inexplicably praised for its obvious studio recreations of London streets, this film actually goes on location--and then some, showcasing truly magnificent settings in southern England, France and Germany (including the fabulous, fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle). Maltin and others have complained about the film's special effects, calling them "the shoddiest ever." What they are talking about is the blue screen traveling matte shots in which the magical car was optically placed in front of separately-shot film of a sky background. And I agree that several of these shots are "obvious" to film students who know how they are achieved. But, again, look at what is overlooked. The car itself, which undergoes several conversions for air and sea travel, is an amazing mechanical special effect designed and built by John Stears. Stears, of course, won an Oscar for the SFX on "Thunderball" and would go on to win another for a little film called "Star Wars." But never mind, what could he know about special effects?

Oh, did I mention that the screenplay was co-written by Roal Dahl, someone who just might have known a thing or two about children's stories. But enough. This film is truly scrumptious from the first frame to the last, a timeless delight for anyone but Hollywood film critics. Was the above review useful to you? 31 out of 40 people found the following review useful: Just not enough musicals like this anymore! from Dallas, Texas 22 August 2004 After 36 years this movie is still loved by young children who see it. My 8 and 3 year old girls just love this movie and it's songs. Dick Van Dyke has done an absolute wonderful job putting out great quality movies for Disney and others. Sally Ann Howe sounds great and personally I prefer her over Julie Andrews anyway. Anyway, if you have not ever seen this film and even if you don't have kids, it's very entertaining! My favorite part is when Caracus Potts and Truly Scrumptious pretend to be toys for the Baron and do a nice song and dance. The tune is just great! I remember as a kid the Child Catcher scared the crap out of me.

Robert Helpmann played this part very well. Who needs Freddy Kruger and all that gore anyway! Was the above review useful to you? 24 out of 29 people found the following review useful: Now available as "special edition" DVD ... go get it. from Australia 5 June 2004 Well it's been 2 years since I last posted a review for this movie... I have just purchased the "Special Edition" version mainly because at last there is a wide-screen DVD version now available! This was one movie that suffered very greatly from a standard T.V format transfer ..... Now in wide-screen,it is possible to see the cinematography as it was intended to be viewed from the original Super Panavision format,even though there is still some "enhanced" format alteration to bring it into line with 16:9 ratio and luckily it was shot in Technicolor,which was easily the best analogue colour system around. Perspectives can now be seen as intended and the beautiful sets and the dance routines look vastly better... you can actually see all the dancers !

Take for instance one scene in Caractacus Potts windmill laboratory,where he shows Truly Scrumptious one of his inventions with which he intends to transmit "pictures and sound".....in the standard format half of the shot is missing so the machine cannot be fully seen and it makes no sense.. however in wide-screen you can see the "picture" and also the whole machine; so now you can enjoy one of Emmet Rolands fantasy machine creations in full. All through the movie the scenery and sets are set up framed with objects in the foreground and back ground which lend to perspective and depth of the image. The sound track seems also to have been worked on .. in previous releases the children's voices seemed to "squeak" but now they sound much more natural. You can see how much we have been missing with previous releases and it is a lot. The Special Edition also has some featurettes on the making of the movie and other related information plus a lovely booklet as well. As to the movie itself .... it has never lost it's magic for me. I see reviews which pan the musical numbers or say it's too long or that after seeing it as an adult they were disappointed from what they remember as a child ...

but is that not the point ? It is a movie for children and/or those adults who can still view it remembering the child in themselves. It has no coarse language , no mindless violence (except the pantomime variety).. no cynicism ...just fun. In short it is a type of movie that Hollywood can no longer make because they no longer know how ... so it should be treasured more for it. People criticize Dick Van Dykes "American" accent but I find it not intrusive at all ... in fact he would probably have been better off using his normal voice in "Mary Poppins" than attempting the cockney accent which he obviously had some difficulty with. Kids love this movie .. let them be the judges. Thank-you Cubby Broccoli ..we miss you. Thank-you Ian Fleming / Roald Dahl / Richard Maibaum and Ken Hughes. Thank-you Ken Adam ... a genius in design for Chitty. Was the above review useful to you?

24 out of 31 people found the following review useful: the whole family loves it from Brooklyn, NY 13 May 2004 I had mostly forgotten this movie after 30+ years, but my 2 year old received it as a gift, and is obsessed with it. It's fantastic, really. The locations are stunning, the musical numbers are (mostly) so lively, the physical humor is great! There is such a range of stuff in it, unlike current movies. I even like it for its flaws. It's really beautifully made. The thing I didn't remember, and that disappointed me at first, was that the whole story is a fantasy, a story within the story. I even like that the kids don't sing so well. They seem more real, less like little prodigies. Was the above review useful to you? 28 out of 41 people found the following review useful: hi, low anywhere we go... Author: from United States 25 April 2005 This movie is one that has sadly fallen through the cracks of the "classic family musical" floor.

My parents were on the ball and raised me on "mary Poppins," "sound of music," and of course, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," and I have not yet been weaned off them. (Incidently, all three of these movies share a choreographer) The sheer imagination of this film is akin to that of Peter Pan. It is a tremendous celebration of childhood and fantasy. Sadly, this movie is often overlooked. As a college student, few of my friends know about this film. The few that do know of it treasure it. Every child should be so lucky as to be raised with Chitty. The dancing, the songs, the genius and humor showcase the best of musicals and childhood alike. Enjoy and share this unsung classic. We can hope that the new live musical in London will rekindle the public's appreciation for movies like this P.S the "Old Bamboo" dance looks very much like the "Step in time," from Mary Poppins. Was the above review useful to you?

8 out of 8 people found the following review useful: Stunning and amusing tale about a flying car and the family owner with a sympathetic Dick Van Dyke Author: ma-cortes 7 January 2012 This exciting children musical displays derring-do adventure, romance , thrills and spectacular frames with phenomenal production design . Imagination and fantasy with primitive but effective special effects galore including a mesmerizing photography with wonderful , marvelous landscapes . The flick gets lots of bombastic effects including flying machines , globes , romantic castles and numerous images have you on the edge of your seat . This is the most Fantasmagorical musical entertainment in the history of everything . In the early 20th century England, a weird inventor named Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke who steals the show as likable dancer and splendid player) works in his rare artifacts , he lives along with his equally rare father (Lionel Jeffries) , and his two little boys named Jeremy (Adrian) and Jemima (Heather).

When the kiddies beg their daddy to buy for them thhe wished plaything , a broken car sitting at a local junkyard , a garage whose owner is George Coggings (Desmond Llewelyn) . Then eccentric Caractacus does whatever he can to make some money to buy it. One plan to raise money involves the unexpected help of a beautiful girl they have just met named Truly Scrumptious (a pretty young woman well performed by Sally Anne Howes), the daughter of a candy factory wealthy owner (James Robertson Justice) . Using his magic skills, inventive Caractacus turns the piece of junk into a marvelous working machine , an amazing flying car that also navigates which they name Chitty Chitty Bang Bang because of the noise the engine sounds . At a seaside picnic with his children and Truly , Caractacus and Co. spins a fanciful tale of an eccentric inventor, his gorgeous new friend , his two children, and his favorite car named Chitty all in the faraway country of Vulgaria. The nasty Baron Bomburst, the king of Vulgaria, will do whatever he can to get his hands on the magical car.

Then the villain Baron Bomburst (Gert Frobe) married to Baroness Bomburst (Anna Quayle) robs the car of ours friends . The baron has made kiddies illegal, being pursued by the sinister child catcher (Robert Helpmann) including the unsuspecting children of a stranger inventor of a fabulous car . Later on ,Caractacus helped by a toymaker (Benny Hill) have to attempt and save the kiddies of Vulgaria. This children motion picture mingles musical numbers , flat jokes , noisy action , flying car pursuits , humor with tongue-in-cheek, rip roaring and lots of amusement . This is an entertaining film loosely based on book by Ian Fleming and well adapted by Roal Dahl , it packs fantasy , musical numbers which both pastiche and subvert adventure and speculative fiction of the period ¨Belle Epoque . The picture incorporates contemporary action film as well as much use of adventure to portray its fanciful elements , furthermore visual effects within the form of the older-style films they have largely superseded . Riveting for its casting , but overall , roller-coaster spectacle . Most of the charm and wit remains from original story in this particular version .

It results to be an amusing of somewhat aloof , storytelling of children classic with a magnificent star cast at its best . Stimulating adventures of ours protagonists are complemented by a breathtaking final attraction in the castle scenes . The film is a Dick Van Dyke recital , he sings , dances, stooges, makes acrobatics, tongue twister and pulls faces and grimaces . It's a farce with the master comic pretty amusing and with several choreography and musical numbers . Ideal main cast is completed by phenomenal secondary actors as Lionel Jeffries , James Robertson Justice , Benny Hill and Desmond Llewelin , among others. Atmospheric , lively score by Irwin Kostal , fitting splendidly to adventure and musical numbers , including the classic leitmotif . Colorful and glamorous cinematography by Christopher Challis in Super Panavision 7o with the fantastic château scenes filmed in Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau, Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany . The picture is lavishly produced by Albert R Broccoli ,James Bond's producer, and brilliantly directed by Ken Hughes .

He's a good writer, producer and director, who achieved big time when made ¨Cromwell¨, ¨Trials of Oscar Wilde¨ , ¨Casino Royale¨ and of course with ¨Chitty , Chitty Bang Bang¨. This is a highly amusing and frequently funny action-adventure romp with a witty script specifically aimed at a kiddies' audience , though excessive songs leave adult spectators a bit seasick . Picture is a vehicle Van Dyke , he's an authentic comic and real Farceur. If you like Dyke's crazy interpretation , you will most definitely enjoy this one . Well worth watching for passable special effects and an enjoyable performances from main cast as the children will like it. Was the above review useful to you? Page 1 of 16: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) - Quotes - IMDb Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) Caracticus Potts : How was India? Grandpa : India? I'll tell you something. I got up this morning and I shot an elephant in my pajamas.

Caracticus Potts , Grandpa , Jemima , Jeremy : How he ever got in my pajamas, I shall never know. Grandpa : You've heard it before. [they all laugh] Share this: Facebook | Twitter | Permalink Hide options Caracticus Potts : Confounded woman! Who does she think she is? Coming in here and telling me how to raise my children! Do I need somebody to tell me how to raise my children? Do I? Hm? No, of course not. Of course not! Hm-hm. Where's my, uh, cardigan? Jemima : Under your jacket. Caracticus Potts : Under... Yes. Self-righteous busy body. Well, she won't be bothering us again. Jemima : But I liked her. Jeremy : So did I. She was very pretty. Caracticus Potts : She certainly was. Do you think... Do you think your, uh, father's a... crackpot? Jeremy : Your cardigan's inside out. Caracticus Potts : Mm? Oh. Do you think I'm a lunatic, wasting my time on a lot of silly inventions?

Jemima : But they aren't silly! They're wonderful! Jeremy : Nobody else can think of them. Caracticus Potts : That's right! That is right! Nobody else can think of them. [the two spies are thrown off the baron's blimp and into the sea] Second Spy : What do we do now? First Spy : Then start drowning! [the First Spy swims away] Jeremy : I'm so glad you came. It's much more fun with two grown-ups. [laughs] Jemima : Truly Scrumptious. You know, even if we didn't know your name, we could have guessed it. Truly Scrumptious : In what way? Caracticus Potts : Why, that silly joke about us getting married. Well, you know what kids are like. Truly Scrumptious : Oh, yes. I understand. Caracticus Potts : I mean, I don't think they realize how ridiculous that would be. Caracticus Potts : Well, yes. I mean, you live in that big house and... your father and the factory and all. It's... it's a different world, Truly.

Truly Scrumptious : You know, if I said something like that, you'd... you'd call me a snob. Caracticus Potts : Well, look, I-I didn't mean... Truly Scrumptious : Wh-what are you going to do? Caracticus Potts : I'm going to carry you. Truly Scrumptious : Oh... oh, dear. Must you? Caracticus Potts : Well, unless you'd rather ride piggyback. Jemima : That's a very pretty name. Truly Scrumptious : Now, where is your house? Jeremy : Oh, we don't live in a house. Jemima : We live in the castle on top of the hill. Truly Scrumptious : [laughs] A castle? I didn't know there were any castles around here. Jemima : Well, it isn't a castle exactly. Jeremy : That's what Daddy calls it. He says King Alfred used to live there hundreds of years ago. Truly Scrumptious : And does your Daddy know you aren't in school? Jemima : Oh, he won't mind. He never does.

Jeremy : Anyway, he's awful busy. Truly Scrumptious : Is he? Well, he'll have to find time to see me because I have a few things to say to him. Truly Scrumptious : [referring to helping the children] It's a beautiful dream Caractacus, but... I don't see how it's gonna help them. [Truly looks at the children around them and Caractacus stands up] Caracticus Potts : [confident] Do you know what we're gonna do? We're gonna get up into that castle! Toymaker : [incredulous] It is impossible! Caracticus Potts : [confident] Well, we'll see. [Caractacus runs up to a large water channel and looks at the children watching] Caracticus Potts : [loud and clear] Now, everybody listen to me! You wanna get out of here, don't you? [the children cheer and Caractacus moves behind the water channel] Caracticus Potts : [loud and clear] Tomorrow is Baron Bomburst's birthday, yes?

[the children boo with their thumbs down] Caracticus Potts : [proud and confident] Well, we're gonna give him a birthday party he'll never forget! [the children cheer and gather around as Caractacus makes the plan] Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Film) - TV Tropes Chitty Chitty Bang Bang You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share Film / Chitty Chitty Bang Bang × Timeline Our fine four-fendered friend! Having noted the success of Disney 's Mary Poppins , its 1964 Edwardian Era musical , United Artists sought three years later to generate similar success for themselves by hiring The Sherman Brothers , the same song-writing team that had scored Poppins, to adapt another period piece into a big-budget musical extravaganza. The result was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Caractacus Potts (an English inventor with an American accent played by Dick Van Dyke ) rebuilds an old wreck of a race-car and makes a few slight improvements, such as giving it the ability to sail and to fly .

However, they are being threatened by Baron Bomburst of the vaguely mitteleuropäisch land of Vulgaria, who covets the car for himself. After his father is kidnapped by the Baron's forces, Caractacus, his two kids, and the beautiful daughter of a candy mogul all travel to the land of Vulgaria note Location shooting for the film version was done around the Bavarian castle of Neuschwanstein and in the medieval town of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber and get into more misadventures. Hilarity Ensues . The book it's based on was written by Ian Fleming . Yes, THAT Ian Fleming . The movie itself was produced by Albert Broccoli of the same fame . Gert Fr öbe, who played the Baron, also played Auric Goldfinger . Desmond Llewellyn of "Q" fame played Coggins. Benny Hill was the Toymaker. Oh, and the screenwriter was Roald Dahl (who, to continue the Bond allusions, wrote the screenplay to You Only Live Twice ). Seriously, you can't make this stuff up. Received a Screen-to-Stage Adaptation in 2002.

Provides examples of: Accidental Aiming Skills : The Baron tries to shoot his own wife when she gets launched into the air and held up with a Parachute Petticoat under the pretense he's trying to help her down . But he does succeed in popping her dress and having her land safely, much to his disappointment. Bomburst: Ah, well, I'll get her next time. Aluminum Christmas Trees : To an extent, the Baron's birthday presents which are actually Caractacus and Truly in disguise. You'd think that this is an example of an egregiously Paper-Thin Disguise ... unless you already knew about 18th century clockwork automatons . Of course, they were never able to imitate humans singing, but at the time it seemed like anything was possible with them. There was one that could play the flute, a mechanical duck that could eat and digest food, several that could write, and a chess-playing hoax so ingenious and masterfully crafted that it is still worth mentioning. This last example also demonstrates how it wouldn't have seemed so far-fetched that there might be clockwork creations that could sing and dance (although it was achieved in largely the same way).

Aristocrats Are Evil : Baron and Baroness Bomburst, the leaders of Vulgaria. Though averted with Truly Scrumptious, who is, well... Attack! Attack... Retreat! Retreat! : The Vulgarian admiral following behind the cavalry, when the gates close behind him. The Baroness : The Baroness. Unlike most examples, this Baroness is in fact an actual baroness. She is married to a baron and lives in the capital of a barony. Bilingual Bonus : Subverted. Toot Sweets is a take on tout de suite, French for "Right now," (the de is silent) but it isn't related to candy. Unless it's to imply that the sweets themselves are "in" and hip. Black Humor : Toward the end of the film, several characters are thrown into the lake near Neuschwanstein Castle. If you know the history of Neuschwanstein (Ludwig II of Bavaria, who built the castle, mysteriously drowned in a lake), this is a lot darker. Earlier on, the Baron repeatedly tries to kill his own wife with no success.

Brick Joke : On the way back to Vulgaria, the two spies are thrown off the zeppelin when Baron Bomburst tries to lighten it. Later, we see the spies having swum all the way back, but because the Vulgarian people are fighting at the castle, they head back into the water to swim away . Child Hater : Having been invented by Roald Dahl , Vulgaria naturally has its whole culture built (very illogically) around this. London Theatre Guide Review Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2002 What other critics had to say..... DARREN DALGLISH says, "A magical and delightful show that will have you gasping when the car takes to the air. Simple story, enchanting music, great acting and brilliant designs. A perfect family show." TIM MASTERS for BBC ONLINE says, "You come out of the London Palladium feeling like a kid on Christmas Eve." NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Sheer theatrical magic" And goes on to say, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang proves itself an ageless pleasure and a pleasure for all ages.

" MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "It is the car everyone has come to see, and I can only report that when it becomes airborne and flies over the front stalls there are gasps of astonished delight." WARWICK THOMPSON for LONDON METRO says, "Be amazed. Be very amazed." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "The audience was purring with pleasure from the moment the band struck up the title tune during the overture." GEORGINA BROWN for THE MAIL ON SUNDAY says, "Oh dear. I hate to be a wet blanket, but Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a huge disappointment." MICHAEL COVENEY for THE DAILY MAIL says, " Brilliantly and ingeniously designed by Anthony Ward." External links to full reviews from newspapers... Next review by Gary Mack Aug 02 Finally a show for all ages to shout and scream over! As my wife and I entered the Royal Circle of the famous London Palladium I knew we were in for a real treat, you could feel the love and anticipation for a much-loved movie.

There are some interesting facts about the staging of this film phenomenon and the creative team behind it starting with its creator Ian Fleming. Ian Fleming is probably best known for creating the world's most famous secret agent James Bond 007. He wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for his son Caspar that was published in 1964. Four years later Ian Fleming's work was taken to the big screen sadly not seen by Fleming as he died in 1964. The film was produced by one partner of Eon Productions by the same producer of the James Bond films Albert R. Broccoli. The film premiered in 1968 and was an enormous success, Broccoli had already produced the first five James Bond films with his co producer Harry Saltzman and went on to produce another four bond films with his co producer before taking complete control in 1976 he further produced another eight 007adventures before his death in 1996. Albert R. Broccoli is not the only 007 connection that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang shares, key members of the production for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang collaborated on the film production.

People like Ken Adam the films production designer, Peter Hunt editor also directed "On HerMajesty's Secret Service" even some 007-cast members were brought in such as Desmond Llewelyn better know as "Q" in the bond films played Coggins the scrap dealer, and Gert Frobe who played the bond villain "Goldfinger" was cast as Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. So can the stage performers live up to the expectations of the audience? The answer is simply YES! The stage production, which is produced by Dana Broccoli, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The production is staged at the famous London Palladium, which to me gives even more enjoyment to seeing the show. From the start of the show to the final curtain, the theatre is filled with pure joy in between gasps of excitement and the hisses and boo's for the Child-catcher. The very talented cast is led by Michael Ball who takes on the role of Caractacus Potts and gives a fine performance! I was very impressed with Emma Williams's portrayal of 'Truly Scrumptious' she sings beautifully and gives a convincing performance.

Anton Rogers takes on the role of Grandpa Potts and is just brilliant, such a witty performance from such a great actor. I think both Brian Blessed and Nichola McAuliffe were superbly cast as Baron & Baroness Bomburst a great performance. Richard O' Brian gives a truly convincing performance as the childcatcher and the stunt he performs needs ahead for heights! I think a special mention is deserved for all the children in the production as specially Luke Newberry & Kimberly Fletcher who played the leading children on the performance I attended, great! The real star of the show is of course the car, which is very cleverly designed, and will have you on the edge of your seats! AnthonyWard's brilliant and imaginative stage design brings to life what we have only ever seen on screen. The whole production is a sure fire hit with children and adults of all ages shouting and screaming for more, I am sure by the response of the standing ovation at The London Palladium that people will return to visit Chitty Chitty Bang Bang many times and I think its set for a long run...Ian Fleming & Albert R (Cubby) Broccoli would have been so very proud...

This is a must see show for the fans of the film and a must see show if your not! Gary Mack Now in its 3rd Fantasmagorical year! 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' is still flying high at The London Palladium, audiences are still as enthusiastic as when "Chitty" first landed on the stage, the real star of the show without question is the car; the fantastic set design by Anthony Ward is only complemented by Adian Noble's slick direction. The cast has of course changed over the last three years with an array of stars appearing in the show, such as Michael Ball (original London Cast) Jason Donavan, Gary Wilmot to name a few. Then the part of the child catcher seems to attract a good mix of stars such as Richard O' Brian (original London Cast) Wayne Sleep, Stephen Gateley and now 70's pop star Alvin Stardust. Some members of this March 2005 cast have been with the show a number of months such as Christopher Biggins & Christopher Ryan etc and it shows, they are relaxed and seem to love their respective roles.

Jo Gibb was taking the role of Truly Scrumptious she played the role with zest and energy that was great to see. Playing the roles of Barron & Baroness Bomburst were Christopher Biggins & Louise Gold both put in great performances although it was difficult to match the power and zest of original cast members Brian Blessed and Nichola McAuliffe, however they pull it off with convincing grace. The part of Grandpa Potts was taken on by Tony Adam's noted for playing 'Adam Chance' in the long running soap opera "Crossroads" with a wealth of theatre experience behind him, he delivered a good performance but did not match Anton Roger's light hearted swing at the role. Alvin Stardust dons the make-up to play the role of 'The Child Catcher' although he was convincing I don't feel he was menacing enough. However the stunt the Child Catcher performs is still breath taking! The leading role of 'Caractacus Potts' was played by none other than Brian Conley a noted stand up comedy artist, turned stage musical TV and film actor.

Having seen some of his previous work and knowing that his stage performances have included such hits as "Me & My Girl" & the Olivier award winning "Jolson" both in the West End; I thought this was an inspired choice. Brian Conley's performance as 'Caractacus' is believable and he carries the role with his own style, he performs all the musical numbers with a great energy and the comedy moments are well timed, the now famous "Old Bamboo" routine was great and of course the title song. He works well with Jo Gibb but fails to give 'Caractacus' the slice of madness and depth that was portrayed so well by Michael Ball . This show is still a blast and a spectacle to see if you have not seen it then book now, I'm sure the car will be flying at the Palladium for sometime to come… Next Review by Jonathan Richards 22 Sep 03 Lovers of pantomime rejoice!

You needn't wait until Christmas time to boo and hiss the baddy, cheer for the lovers, or ooh-and-ah at the spectacle since, more than a year later, Adrian Noble's production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is still packing in children and adults at the London Palladium. A difference you might notice is the price tag, and at £42.50 for a top price seat, your bank balance may be a little more stretched than at your local Winter panto. What Noble offers us in return, however, is rather a lot of spectacle (if not much substance) including a plethora of whacky machines, a pack of dogs, ample song and dance, and of course Chitty, the infamous flying car. But while I admit to sharing the gasps of squirmy delight as Chitty soared above the front stalls at the end of each act, the lead up material and production is not always so enchanting. Originally a Sherman Brothers musical film based on the story by Ian Fleming, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" concerns single father and mad inventor Caractacus Potts who resurrects an old car for his children which turns out to be more than they could ever have bargained for.

Greedy Vulgarian Baron Bomburst and his child-hating wife are keen to get their hands on Chitty and its inventor, and so spying, fights and chases galore ensue until the car finally rests in the hands of those who will love it best. The Sherman Brothers' music and lyrics are certainly pleasant and sweet enough to fell a rhinoceros, but with a few exceptions do not amount to much. Jeremy Sams' adaptation cuts out many of the longueurs of the film to make the first act more concise (even though the total running time comes in at just under three hours,) but his overly long stand up segments often fall flat, just as does some of Noble and choreographer Gillian Lynne's staging. Lynne's energetic, prancing, slightly balletic choreography is usually sweet and charming, but the focus of too many large numbers is lost, thus making the stage look a confusing mess. Noble's over-blown pantomime has, however, come a fair way since its opening in the Spring of last year, and is enormously served by the new casting of Gary Willmot and Caroline Sheen as the whacky inventor Caractacus and sweet-as-her-name Truly Scrumptious respectively.

Willmot may lack the richness of voice which Michael Ball brought to the role, but his more simple tone serves the unassuming, simple nature of Caractacus well and he is a touching father and effortlessly loveable. Sheen lends a combination of English aristocratic primness and tremendous warmth to Truly, and her pairing with Willmot is beautifully complementary. Elsewhere, however, some of the new cast is not so ideal.... Poor Wayne Sleep. True, the former ballet star may feel at home prancing around the stage in a pair of tights, but he certainly struggles performing what has to be the worst song ever to survive a preview period. Coupled with the fact his Childcatcher is reduced to silly insubstantial cameos, it is often hard to tell whether the audience is booing Sleep or his one dimensional character. Nicola McAuliffe and Brian Blessed's superbly grotesque Baron and Baroness Bomburst were always going to be a hard to act follow, but Sandra Dickinson, with her squeaky voice and perma-grin, and Victor Spinetti's underpowered turn sadly do not match up, or pack the same comic punch.

Anthony Ward's designs which combine simple landscapes and blocks of colour with intricate, detailed machinery are effective, but what Ward serves us up is a string of clever gadgets along with otherwise uninspiring, colourful backdrops which, for me at any rate, didn't tickle my senses. Yes, "Chitty" is more than spectacular (to use the vernacular) and provides lashings of pure, simple fun. But perhaps the amount of people around me (both big and small) fidgeting and chatting is testament to the fact that for all the cash spent on it, this is one show which does not really engage dramatically or fuel the imagination and allow it to fly. Jonathan Richards QUENTIN LETTS: Sepp Blatter runs Fifa like Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | Daily Mail Online comments Football Association chairman Greg Dyke had practically lost his voice from a cold. At times it was more squeak than meat – a juddering hiss. Our hot tap at home makes the same noise. Yet Mr Dyke’s evidence to the Culture select committee was eloquent. He kept being asked what we, the West, could do to make international football less corrupt. He gave a shrug and a silent smile.

He was effectively saying ‘beggar all’. Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, pictured addressing the Culture select committee yesterday Mr Dyke, 67, first acquired prominence as the breakfast TV executive who promoted matinee idol Roland Rat. He (Dyke, that is, not Rat) later ran the BBC but had to quit after Andrew Gilligan’s allegation that Tony Blair ‘sexed up’ the case for war against Iraq. Many former BBC chiefs receive knighthoods for careers riddled with deceit and opacity. Mr Dyke remains ‘Mr’ because he bluntly stood up for a reporter who was trying to tell the truth. Is the British Establishment not a marvel? Yesterday he was asked if Sepp Blatter – that toadlike figure who runs Fifa much in the way Baron Bomburst ruled Vulgaria in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ – would win another term of office. ‘Yes,’ croaked Mr Dyke. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share MPs seemed surprised. With a touching belief in our moral superiority, they suppose that anything Europe says must carry weight. If only. East of Prague and south of Naples, European sensitivities are now laughed at, as ancient Rome was once mocked by Visigoths.

Mr Dyke explained that although leading European footballing nations such as Holland, Germany and England would try to block the mottled Blatter, their opinion would be blithely ignored by other countries. ‘The influence of the English and the British is quite limited,’ said Mr Dyke, understating the case. Is it not increasingly obvious, after these days when we have seen the Russian government behaving like a Third World dictatorship, that the Western Christian hegemony is over? Mr Dyke said he thought Sepp Blatter (above) - who runs Fifa - would win another term of office Islamic zealots try to pollute our schools. We allow their mullahs to brainwash our prison inmates. Cricket on the Indian subcontinent is as bent as a crone’s forefinger. African churchgoers recoil from liberal-European tolerance of homosexuality. In recent centuries there was a presumption in European capitals that our Enlightenment, our way of regulating, of playing by the rules and generally ‘being the white man’ (to use the old colonial term), was the global ideal. ‘Best practice’ is how they might prefer to put it at modern management schools. Yet today’s rackety regime in Moscow could not give a stuffed monkey about upsetting European opinion.

And Fifa, as Mr Dyke told the Culture committee yesterday, is now laughably corrupt. The awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup competitions to Russia and Qatar was discussed. Mr Dyke, with resigned nonchalance, said certain aspects of Qatar’s bid – such as ‘how hot it would be in summer’ – were simply ‘ignored’ in the bidding process. One or two of the MPs wondered if Russia’s World Cup should be boycotted. Mr Dyke said that was one for Westminster, not him. Sepp Blatter runs Fifa much in the way Baron Bomburst (above) ruled Vulgaria in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', claims Quentin Lett Steve Rotheram (Lab, Walton) alleged that Herr Blatter had ‘siphoned’ money into football authorities around the world. Mr Dyke did not disagree. He said that the Fifa executive committee members behaved towards Herr Blatter like ‘North Koreans’ fawning over their dictator. ‘It’s hail to the leader. But the Brits aren’t like that, are they?’ said Mr Dyke. Plainly he never attended a Tory party conference back in the days of high Thatcherism.

Tracey Crouch (Con, Chatham & Aylesford), who in a more just world would be sports minister rather than ‘Hopeless’ Helen Grant, said: ‘Why don’t we just walk out of Fifa? We’re not very good at the World Cup.’ Mr Dyke said it would be a pointless gesture. ‘Like most resignations you get remembered for a week then move on,’ he said, noting that he knew this from personal experience. Fifa grandees hated us, he said. Why? Because our journalists laid bare their corruption. Makes you proud to be a British inkie. Audience Reviews for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ½ FROM THE VAULTS OF CLASSIC CHILDREN'S MOVIES: Comes the 1968 comedy-adventure musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Dick Van Dyke(who was Oscar nominated for Best Actor for Walt Disney's Mary Poppins)re-unites with musical composers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman for this huge big budget spectacle that was produced by Harry Saltzman and Albert R.

Broccoli(of the James Bond 007 movies),and based on a series of children's books by Ian Fleming(who was also the author of the James Bond novels),while literary giant Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay. Need more convincing? The film combines annoyingly catchy tunes(including its theme song,along with classic standards like "Truly Scrumptious","Too Sweets", and "Hushabye Mountain")tweety sweets,and a magical mysterious car that guides Professor Potts(Dick Van Dyke),his children and lady companion(Sally Ann Howes)on exciting fairy tale adventures set in Victorian England. Check out the star-studded cast ranging from Gert Forbe, Lionel Jeffries, Anna Quayle, Robert Helpmann(THE CHILD CATCHER!),and the hilarious British comedian Benny Hill. Not to mention this was a star studded spectacle presented in full Super Panavision 70MM and Technicolor with a running time of over 153 minutes. Mister Caple Super Reviewer Despite the fact it is excruciatingly long and the songs were so bad that it drags the film down. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a mostly entertaining family film.

I'd call it a minor classic in the fantasy genre.Also, I found that the children stars were more annoying than charming and that the magical feeling promised didn't come of as the film makers probably planned. But its colourful and its mostly fun. For mainstream audiences i'd say its entertaining but easily forgettable but for all you oldie fans you'll adore this. Directors Cat Super Reviewer A childhood favourite and a Classic Musical with an adventurous journey. From the whacky inventions to the dreamlike journey, it's a film filled with familiar songs to all with some memorable dance scenes. Lady D'arbanville

Question: Baron Bomburst is a character in which British family film?
Answer: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG