The film, based on the Roald Dahl book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, wasn't exactly a huge hit when it debuted in theaters back in 1971. But it gained a cult following and eventually became a beloved classic on television and video through the 1980s and 1990s, leading to a remake in 2005 starring Johnny Depp.
We talk with Leydon about the original film, Gene Wilder's performance as Wonka and why both still resonate today.
Joe Leydon is a movie critic for Variety, and teaches film at Houston Community College and the University of Houston.
