The novel was initially published in three volumes, the first in October 1964, which was two months after Fleming's death. [10] It became one of the best-selling children's books of the year. [11] Albert R. Broccoli, producer of the James Bond films (which were based on novels by Fleming), read the novel and was not initially enthusiastic about turning it into a film, but the success of Mary Poppins (1964) changed his mind. [9]

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (U)". British Board of Film Classification. 18 October 1968. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016 . Retrieved 27 August 2016. Giovetti, Al. "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's Adventure in Tinkertown". thecomputershow.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021 . Retrieved 17 December 2018. a b c d Burke, Tom (22 October 1967). "Kid Stuff From Ian Fleming?". The New York Times. p.155 . Retrieved 8 November 2022. Balio, Tino (1987). United Artists: the company that changed the film industry. University of Wisconsin Press. p.133. Irwin Kostal supervised and conducted the music for the film based on songs written by the Sherman Brothers, Richard and Robert, and the musical numbers were staged by Marc Breaux and Dee Dee Wood. At the 41st Academy Awards, the film's title song was nominated for Best Song – Original for the Picture. [6] Plot [ edit ]What child has not wanted to ride or even drive a flying car? Every child is captivated by the wonder of flight; and although piloting an airplane requires difficult and expensive certification, every adult can drive a car and every child has ridden in one. A child can easily see his parents, and then himself, at the wheel of a car that just happens to be able to fly. Thus, the basic premise of this movie is perfect for both children and adults. In the story, the nasty Baron Bomburst, tyrant of the fictional land of Vulgaria, attempts to steal Chitty. The family escape thanks to Chitty's miraculous transformation into a boat, and Truly goes home to Scrumptious Manor ("Lovely Lonely Man"). The Baron sends two bungling spies to get the car, but they fail repeatedly and eventually decide to kidnap Caractacus instead, but mistake Grandpa for Caractacus. As they fly away in their airship ("Posh!"), Chitty sprouts wings and propellers, and the family pursues the airship all the way to Vulgaria. The film did not follow Fleming's novel closely. A novelisation of the film written by John Burke was published at the time of the film's release. It basically followed the film's story, but there were some differences in tone and emphasis; for example, the novelisation mentioned that Caractacus had difficulty coping after the death of his wife and made it clearer that the sequences including Baron Bomburst were fantasy. [40] Comic book adaption [ edit ]

This is a true adventure into the imagination. Pure and simple. It's uncategorical, a fuel burning oracle. For those who've reviewed this film as if they're looking for some kind of truth of life, or life-changing event from a film...grow up, and stop poohing on others' dreams. Movies aren't supposed to give you the answers to the universe; you're supposed to figure that out for yourself. Stop being so lazy. Movies are supposed to be pure escapism. They're intended to entertain you and feed the imagination so that, if you ever do grow up, you don't forget to stop and smell the flowers along your journey, and maybe take a little time to daydream--and that's what Chitty does, with imagination, kooky characters, and song all interposed in one wizardly keen daydream. Weiler, A.H. (10 July 1966). "Pint-Sized Bonded Stuff on Tap: More About Movies". The New York Times. p.81 . Retrieved 8 November 2022. One Person's Junk Is Another Person's Jalopy interactive game, Special Delivery Game, Chitty Colouring Book The female lead's role is rather passive. She plays the role of would-be mother very well, but helpmate to her would-be husband not so much. The title song is stupendous--the kind that you have difficulty getting out of your head. The other songs are less memorable.

Side guide

One area of the film that looked especially impressive were the beach scenes filmed in the south of France where the grains of sand stood out as they should in 1080 quality. Big Rental Films of 1969". Variety. Penske Business Media. 7 January 1970. p.15 . Retrieved 5 July 2018.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Opens at London's Palladium April 16". Playbill. 16 April 2022 . Retrieved 8 November 2022. As Caractacus' story concludes, an awkward moment ensues when the children ask Caractacus if the story ends with him and Truly getting married. Caractacus does not answer and tries to apologize for his children when he drops Truly off at her manor, saying that the difference in their social status would make a relationship between them ridiculous, offending Truly. Returning glumly to his cottage, Caractacus is surprised to find Lord Scrumptious waiting for him with an offer to buy his candy to sell as a dog treat. Overjoyed that he has finally made a successful invention, he rushes off to tell Truly, inadvertently causing her to crash into the pond once more. He rescues her and they admit their love for each other. Then, as they return home, Chitty flies up into the sky once again, this time without wings. ("Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (Finale)).

The primary action is relegated to an imagination sequence--a way to avoid attempting to reconcile the sequence with real life. McBride, Walter (29 April 2005). "Photo Coverage: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Opening Night Red Carpet". Playbill . Retrieved 8 November 2022. Vagg, Stephen (14 November 2020). "Ken Hughes Forgotten Auteur". Filmink. Archived from the original on 14 November 2020 . Retrieved 14 November 2020. a b c d "Where was 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' filmed?". British Film Locations. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018 . Retrieved 5 July 2018.

Modern Living: The Gothic-Kinetic Merlin of Wild Goose Cottage". Time. 1 November 1976. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016 . Retrieved 5 November 2010.Older fans may want to take a look at the vintage featurettes, including an interview so stiff even Van Dyke struggles to stay smooth. For hardcore musical fans, there's a mildly interesting featurette on the London West End show, and an archive of the Sherman Brothers singing the songs they composed before changes were made for the movie. Returning glumly to his cottage, Caractacus is surprised to find Lord Scrumptious waiting for him with an offer to buy his candy to sell as a dog treat. Overjoyed that he has finally made a successful invention, he rushes off to tell Truly, inadvertently causing her to crash into the pond once more. He rescues her and they admit their love for each other. Then, as they return home, Chitty flies up into the sky once again, this time without wings. The scenery is beautiful; I think the movie was mostly filmed on location in England, France, and perhaps Germany.