Review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) by Mark K — 03 Oct 2010

It shares little in common with Ian Fleming's clever book, and it wasn't a hit with the critics either, but its kind of grown on me over the years. It's a big production, with some very interesting musical numbers, very elaborate sets, and a bewildering array of items crafted just for the film. Not to mention the car itself. The sheer audacity of doing this film as a musical never ceases to amaze me. The musical numbers by Richard and Robert Sherman are all quite memorable.

Despite the sugary sweet script, there are some great comic turns here, and Dick Van Dyke was electric in his role. The kids are annoyingly cute, and the supporting cast is also excellent, especially the very talented Lionel Jeffries as the elder Potts. (Little known fact, Jeffries was actually younger than Van Dyke, yet plays his father) Gerd Frobe of Goldfinger fame is amusingly over the top as the Baron Von Bomburst. Sally Anne Howes comfortably fills the role of Truly Scrumptious.

I saw a retrospective on the film with Dick Van Dyke, who told some interesting stories of the production. The fact that he wasn't a dancer, yet managed to tackle the elaborate Morris dance of "Me Old Bamboo" is a tribute to his professionalism.

The effects are pretty poor by today's standards, but the live action sequences are beautifully rendered, including some use of famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

See it for the nostalgia of what family entertainment used to be like.