In the Gene Wilder version, after Veruca is dropped down the garbage chute, her father swiftly drops in after her. However, the following quotes are puzzling to me:
Grandpa Joe: “Ah, Mr. Salt finally got what he wanted.”
Charlie: “What’s that?”
Grandpa Joe: “Veruca went first.”
My impression was that Veruca ALWAYS had to go first in every situation. So, what did Grandpa Joe mean?
He meant Veruca died first, freeing Mr. Salt of her petulant whining for everything. Sort of pointless if they both went down the chute.
Wow… :smack: How did I miss that? Thanks for the prompt response!
Maybe it’s a simple reference to the earlier scene when they were boarding the boat and Mr. Salt says, “Ladies first, and that means Veruca.” (to which Grandpa Joe asides to Charlie, “If she’s a lady, I’m a vermicious knid.”).
In the book, they’re seen at the end, covered with garbage.
And in the movie being referred to, Wonka says that all the “losers” are all right. But in neither case would Grandpa Joe have known this at the time he said the quote.
This.