Hindsight

Classic kids, or 100 films the kids in your life have to see by 13 or else!

Day 35:  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

The movie is an adaption of a British musical of the same name, with the musical itself loosely based  on an Ian Fleming novel, yes, the James Bond Writer.  The film's script is by Roald Dahl, the wonderful writer of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach.   the plot follows an eccentric Professor as he creates machines that only cause him trouble, but lead to grand adventures.  Dick Van Dyke plays the professor and as usual gets to dance, sing and be silly.  

He is perfectly cast.  There are a couple of scary moments so best for kids over eight.  

Here is Ebert's review from  December of 1968, Chicago Sun Times:  "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang contains about the best two-hour children's movie you could hope for, with a marvelous magical auto and lots of adventure and a nutty old grandpa and a mean Baron and some funny dances and a couple of [scary] moments"

Saw this with my friend Roxanne, when we were both 7 years old.  Afterward, 

I pestered my parents for a flying car, so we too could go on magical experiences!  

Themes:  Inventions, courage, family, bullying

Media literacy questions for kids:  Who were the heroes and villains in this film?  How did you know the difference?  What time period is this film meant to convey?  What were the special effects in the movie, would they be different if the film was made today?