Michael Albert

Chosen answer: The 1971 version of this story focuses on Charlie and the other children finding their tickets, followed by all of the action that takes place within the chocolate factory during the tour. While some narrative exposition of past events is given by various characters in the film's present time, it is absent any of the flashback depictions that peppered the 2005 version starring Johnny Depp. Not only is Prince Pondicherry's story not told, but we also see none of Wonka's strained relationship with his father as a child, nor the escapades which lead him to discover the Oompa Loompas, nor any of the scenes depicting Grandpa Bucket's past association with the factory, some of which were created for the 2005 film rather than coming from the original novel.

Michael Albert

Answer: "Mr. Slugworth, " the evil rival owner of a competing candy company, turns out to be Mr. Wilkinson, an employee of Wonka's. He appears to the five finalists shortly after their ticket finds to tempt them into betraying Wonka by turning over an everlasting gobstopper so the presumed Slugworth can determine the secret recipe. This is a test devised by Wonka to find a child who is pure of heart to succeed him. Charlie passes the test by returning the gobstopper rather than stealing to gain reward. Logic would lead us to presume that the faux "Mr. Slugworth" made the same offer to all five children...money. But only Charlie and the Bucket family were in dire financial straits. The others seemed to be middle class, at least. And Veruca Salt, in particular, has a family that is fabulously wealthy. It is possible that the offer to the other four children was more tailored to their specific vices: Something to satisfy the gluttony of Augustus Gloop, an opportunity for competitive adventure for gum-obsessed Violet, television fame and the resulting financial gains for Mike TeeVee (whose family also seems like they could use a couple of nickels to rub together), and God only knows what one offers to Veruca Salt, who already has everything. But the enticements were whispered, so it is simply left a matter of speculation.

Michael Albert

Answer: Yes, he did. Mel Stuart initially wanted to reveal that Willy Wonka had strategically placed the Golden Tickets in order to give the factory to Charlie. The idea was dropped, but the hints remained in the fact that Mr. Wilkerson conveniently showed up every time a ticket was uncovered.

Answer: It isn't clear the extent to which Wonka had a hand in the selection of the five finalists. The scenario you outline would be more likely in the later "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (2005) with Johnny Depp. In that version, and in the book, it is expressly stated that Grandpa Joe had once worked in the Wonka factory, making it more likely that, somehow, Wonka would have prior knowledge of the Bucket family. In the 1971 version, with Gene Wilder, Wonka has no explicit ties to the Buckets. That being said, it is quite coincidental that the faux "Mr. Slugworth" just happens to be everywhere a winning ticket is found moments later, which lends credence to your suggestion. Wilder's Wonka is portrayed as a highly eccentric and slightly dyspeptic candy mogul with a sardonic tone and a sadistic streak. His sarcasm to other characters is a reaction to the flaws which they openly display - and he really isn't even that rude, at that. In Charlie, Wonka recognizes a pure soul, to which he responds with kindness. The book and the 2005 film portray Willie Wonka as having a more childlike nature and being highly distrustful of adults, which would explain any wariness he might have regarding Grandpa Joe.

Michael Albert