# Why was the first film named "Willy Wonka And..."? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 30, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181 "2005-08-30T00:52:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/1 "2005-08-30T00:52:25Z")
I always assumed it was because the a-list actor they got to play WW was a total ass and so insisted that the film be renamed to acknowledge his part in it. For a while I liked Gene Wilder. Then I saw that film about that woman from SNL, and then this. Is he an asshole or are both accounts of his personality false? ---
**Author:** ![bmoak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9dc877/32.png) [@bmoak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmoak)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/2 "2005-08-30T01:04:38Z")
> [@Lobsang](#): > > I always assumed it was because the a-list actor they got to play WW was a total ass and so insisted that the film be renamed to acknowledge his part in it. > > For a while I liked Gene Wilder. Then I saw that film about that woman from SNL, and then this. Is he an asshole or are both accounts of his personality false? What on earth do you mean “both accounts”? The movie is called “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” because of Nestle. The movie is intended to be a prodcut pitch for the extensive line of Willy Wonka candies (Wonka Bars, Nerds, Laffy Taffy, et. al.) that Nestle was prodcuing in conjuntion with the premiers of the movie. The candies didn’t end up doing that well, though. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/3 "2005-08-30T01:05:21Z")
> [@Lobsang](#): > > I always assumed it was because the a-list actor they got to play WW was a total ass and so insisted that the film be renamed to acknowledge his part in it. > > For a while I liked Gene Wilder. Then I saw that film about that woman from SNL, and then this. Is he an asshole or are both accounts of his personality false? What film about [Gilda Radner](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0705717/bio) who I worship as the funniest comedian since the great Red Haired One. She loved Gene. To answer the main question The film was originally financed by the Quaker Oats Company. They hoped to tie it to a new candy bar they intended to bring on the market. When the film was released, the company began marketing its “Wonka” chocolate bars. Unfortunately, an error in the chocolate formula caused the bars to melt too easily, even while on the shelf, and so they were taken off the market. Quaker sold the brand to St. Louis based Sunline, Inc. (which later became part of Nestlé via Rowntree) not long after this; Sunline was able to make the brand a success, and Wonka-branded candy (most of which isn’t chocolate-based) is still available in the USA. ---
**Author:** ![bmoak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9dc877/32.png) [@bmoak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmoak)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/4 "2005-08-30T01:12:08Z")
Woops! Forgot that Nestle was not the originator of the Wonka candies :smack: If you buy old comic books from around the time the movie was originally released, you’ll see lots of ads for Willy Wonka candies and sweeepstakes promotions. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/5 "2005-08-30T01:15:54Z")
When was Gene Wilder an “A-lister?” I mean, he’s very good, but I don’t think he was ever on the A List. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/6 "2005-08-30T01:17:38Z")
I’m still trying to figure out why he hates Gene Wilder for Loving and being loved by Gilda. She is to this day the funniest SNL woman by far. She was loved by all the cast members and was often the only one who could stop the infighting between Belushi & Ackroid and everyone else. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/7 "2005-08-30T01:18:39Z")
BTW Gilda had a great cameo in the Rutles. Look for it if you rent the movie. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/8 "2005-08-30T01:24:05Z")
> [@Lobsang](#): > > I saw that film about that woman from SNL . . . "That woman from SNL . . . " [**Eve** cries softly to herself. Gilda spins in grave] ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/9 "2005-08-30T01:25:42Z")
I interpreted the OP as saying that Gene Wilder was an asshole to Gilda (and let me join the love-fest directed at her). I’d never heard such a thing; I thought they were devoted to each other. Am I wrong? BTW, just watched my _Young Frankenstein_ DVD two days ago. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/10 "2005-08-30T01:29:14Z")
> [@Biffy the Elephant Shrew](#): > > I interpreted the OP as saying that Gene Wilder was an asshole to Gilda (and let me join the love-fest directed at her). I’d never heard such a thing; I thought they were devoted to each other. Am I wrong? > > BTW, just watched my _Young Frankenstein_ DVD two days ago. To the best of my knowledge, in interviews and Bio’s on Gilda. He was great to her and she to him. I think I heard Jane Curtain talking about how good they were for each other. They were both insecure geniuses. I wish Lobsang would come back and give more info. ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/11 "2005-08-30T01:52:21Z")
I remember an article in the _Washington Post_ around the time of Gilda’s death. In an interview during her last days, Gilda (with Gene present) effusively told of how good he had been to her. She quipped that this testimony would guarantee Gene plenty of good PR, resulting in many romantic opportunities for him after she was gone. I will never forget how goddamn honest, selfless and courageous that was of her. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/12 "2005-08-30T02:35:19Z")
**Lobsang, elaborate**! Or were you posting while cognitively impaired? [sub]Radner was a goddess! A Goddess, I say! And Wilder worshipped at her feet with all due reverence and devotion! Heresy, I say! mumble…mumble…[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/13 "2005-08-30T02:46:17Z")
I’d always heard the title was changed because the name ‘Charlie,’ circa 1970, was primarily used to mean the enemy during the Vietnam War. I could be wrong about this though…but it’s an interesting theory ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/14 "2005-08-30T02:51:36Z")
> [@Stephe96](#): > > I’d always heard the title was changed because the name ‘Charlie,’ circa 1970, was primarily used to mean the enemy during the Vietnam War. > > I could be wrong about this though…but it’s an interesting theory Definately the Wonka bar tie-in. I own the DVD, I bought it for my wife not my kids. We are both complete Wonka fans. The Chocolate Bar story was around in the 70’s & it is both on the DVD and IMDB Trivia. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/15 "2005-08-30T02:55:26Z")
> [@Stephe96](#): > > I’d always heard the title was changed because the name ‘Charlie,’ circa 1970, was primarily used to mean the enemy during the Vietnam War. I think that unless you were actually in the military in 1970, you were more likely to associate the name with Charlie Brown than with the Viet Cong. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Hamster\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8edcca/32.png) [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/16 "2005-08-30T06:34:09Z")
> [@jrfranchi](#): > > Unfortunately, an error in the chocolate formula caused the bars to melt too easily, even while on the shelf, and so they were taken off the market. Whoa, I actually remember experiencing the unnatural meltiness of the orginal Wonka bars! What a weird memory to have conjurered up! ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/17 "2005-08-30T06:36:04Z")
I assumed it was because: 1. If a movie has a name in the title, it should usually be the name of the lead character, and Charlie wasn’t nearly as important in the movie as he was in the book. 2. David L. Wolper was executive producer, and “Wonka” is sorta the same kind of name as “Wolper.” 3. Hi, Opal! (First time I’ve done that. :D) ---
**Author:** ![Large\_Marge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/50afbb/32.png) [@Large\_Marge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Large_Marge)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/18 "2005-08-30T07:13:44Z")
> [@jrfranchi](#): > > To the best of my knowledge, in interviews and Bio’s on Gilda. He was great to her and she to him. I think I heard Jane Curtain talking about how good they were for each other. They were both insecure geniuses. > > I wish Lobsang would come back and give more info. I think what Lobsang is referring to is a recent interview Gene gave where he was less than kind in his words about Gilda. I was rather shocked myself, as he’s always had nothing but kind words for her. But you’ll have to ask Lobsang … ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/19 "2005-08-30T08:09:58Z")
> [@Large Marge](#): > > I think what Lobsang is referring to is a recent interview Gene gave where he was less than kind in his words about Gilda. I was rather shocked myself, as he’s always had nothing but kind words for her. > > But you’ll have to ask Lobsang … [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/031233706X/104-5768459-4998351?v=glance](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/031233706X/104-5768459-4998351?v=glance) Apparently, Wilder released an autobiography earlier this year in which he openly discusses his marriage with Gilda & is honest about how she could be difficult. Some of the reviews also note about how he’s honest about he could be difficult. Others attack him from saying anything less than positive about Gilda. Let’s face it- anyone really think that either of them didn’t have an unpleasant side? God know I have one- when I pass away, I just want my loved ones to remember me fairly but also compassionately. I have yet to read the book but till I do, I’ll give Gene the benefit of the doubt. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181/20 "2005-08-30T13:58:46Z")
Anyone who thinks Wilder was an asshole to Radner might be thinking of the movie _The Woman in Red_ in which Wilder hornily pursues Kelly LeBrock while ignoring/mistreating Radner, who played a minor role. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-first-film-named-willy-wonka-and/319181.md?page=2)