One more memory fragment. I remember seeing it at the pictures on release and the interval break happened just as the car went over the cliff. The second half began with it magically sprouting wings and flying to safety. Never was an intermission so filled with anticipation.
I have a very special connection to this film, Luke. But I don’t like revealing too much about my personal life on sosh…so.
But it is an absolute belter of a film. A bona fide classic, and I agree with most everything you say about it here, apart from your mild critique of Lionel Jeffries, for I think he wholeheartedly throws himself into the role. But, as you’ve expounded further in the comments about your own personal (non) experience of him, I do kind of get it, I suppose.
PS The Sherman Brothers. Now that’s what I call a sibling musical duo. Not the Gallaghers…ha-ha!
re my non-memories of good old Lionel J, it wasn't meant to be taken seriously - however, it is true that I do find his POSH number very slightly embarrassing, for some reason. But as you say- it's a mild critique. His direction of The Railway Children, on the other hand, was outstanding.
Yes, it’s too long, but I honestly don’t know what I’d cut! One of the first films I was taken to see at the cinema, and a favourite ever since. Joyous. (I always forget the quieter numbers until I rewatch!)
I was beyond excited on a school exchange trip to Bavaria in 1977 to go to Neuschwanstein castle, and I know I had the (Dinky?) version of Chitty where the wings pulled out, and there was a mini blow-up lilo for floating on water. My first Guinea pig was called Chuchi-face.
This is also too long- but I don’t know what I’d cut! 😂❤️
I have a hunch that the Castle scenes go on a bit too long… especially the children’s uprising- that’s a bit like the US Marines coming to the rescue at the end of a Bond movie.
Almost exactly 24 hours later and I just finished watching the movie. What a wonderful, joyous and fabulous ride! Absolutely loved it and can definitely see myself watching it again sometime in the future. Thank you for the recommendation! Magic stuff.
This is truly a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious film. Wrong film I know, but you get my drift.
I'm so glad we had films like this to grow up with, not the current mawkish, politically correct, CGI-infested twaddle. And yes, Hushaby Mountain still kills me every time.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the first film I saw at the cinema. Possibly aged around 5. Apparently I declined ice cream in the interval and just sat waiting for the film to start again. And cried when it ended! I used to have a model of the car and I think I still have the paperback. Great to read your post with all the background info. Absolutely fascinating.
My step uncle was Peter Picton mainly known as Pierre the Clown. Amongst other things he owned and showed the main Chitty car. I think there were hmm maybe at least half a dozen and the one that Chris Evans famously bought wasn’t the main one . When I went to Peters funeral not many years ago there was a bunch of engineers and mechanics for the various Chitty cars there so I learnt pribably much more than I wanted or needed to. Wonderful moment when the theme music was played at the funeral. We all bounced up and down in our seats lol. Pierre took Chitty all over with himself dressed up and people could take photos and buy toy cars . Yup I’ve been for an actual ride in the car. Mad fun
Grew up with this film, still love it, still watch it when it comes on telly every Christmas, Easter….and I sing Hushabye Mountain to my baby grandson 💕
At a recent revival of The Tales of Hoffmann, almost dropped my popcorn when I realized Sir Robert had also played The Childcatcher - that explained the diabolical graceful movements, nose and all!
Nice. I have a soft spot for all this as I was born in 68 and now live in a village not far from where Fleming lived a while (and wrote CCBB?) in Bekesbourne, which is also a hub-cap's roll from Higham Park. The Higham estate has an incredible history, and the Count's activities and inventions are notorious and famous around here, even now.
Absolutely loved this read. Agree with you about everything BAR your reservations about Lionel Jefferies who is magnificent. POSH is a great number. Also you didn't mention From the Ashes of Disaster Grow the Roses of Success, also brilliant. PS I have been to Neuschwanstein Castle and it is as bonkers as depicted in the film, albeit without the Baroness falling into the moat.
LOL. I may have an agenda, despite my love of The Railway Children. When I was ten or so, I won a colouring competition. Mr J was to present the prize. A Five Pound Note. But the man failed to turn up. Never recovered. It's warped me for life.
I can't believe I've never seen this movie! Too many films to watch... Argh! If it wasn't 1am I'd start watching it right now. Tomorrow, then. Ok.
One more memory fragment. I remember seeing it at the pictures on release and the interval break happened just as the car went over the cliff. The second half began with it magically sprouting wings and flying to safety. Never was an intermission so filled with anticipation.
I have a very special connection to this film, Luke. But I don’t like revealing too much about my personal life on sosh…so.
But it is an absolute belter of a film. A bona fide classic, and I agree with most everything you say about it here, apart from your mild critique of Lionel Jeffries, for I think he wholeheartedly throws himself into the role. But, as you’ve expounded further in the comments about your own personal (non) experience of him, I do kind of get it, I suppose.
PS The Sherman Brothers. Now that’s what I call a sibling musical duo. Not the Gallaghers…ha-ha!
re my non-memories of good old Lionel J, it wasn't meant to be taken seriously - however, it is true that I do find his POSH number very slightly embarrassing, for some reason. But as you say- it's a mild critique. His direction of The Railway Children, on the other hand, was outstanding.
Yes, it’s too long, but I honestly don’t know what I’d cut! One of the first films I was taken to see at the cinema, and a favourite ever since. Joyous. (I always forget the quieter numbers until I rewatch!)
I was beyond excited on a school exchange trip to Bavaria in 1977 to go to Neuschwanstein castle, and I know I had the (Dinky?) version of Chitty where the wings pulled out, and there was a mini blow-up lilo for floating on water. My first Guinea pig was called Chuchi-face.
This is also too long- but I don’t know what I’d cut! 😂❤️
I have a hunch that the Castle scenes go on a bit too long… especially the children’s uprising- that’s a bit like the US Marines coming to the rescue at the end of a Bond movie.
Ha-ha…exactly, Luke!
Almost exactly 24 hours later and I just finished watching the movie. What a wonderful, joyous and fabulous ride! Absolutely loved it and can definitely see myself watching it again sometime in the future. Thank you for the recommendation! Magic stuff.
I am so glad you enjoyed it. Truly delighted.
This is truly a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious film. Wrong film I know, but you get my drift.
I'm so glad we had films like this to grow up with, not the current mawkish, politically correct, CGI-infested twaddle. And yes, Hushaby Mountain still kills me every time.
There is an innocence and a charm. A significant lack of the coarse…
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the first film I saw at the cinema. Possibly aged around 5. Apparently I declined ice cream in the interval and just sat waiting for the film to start again. And cried when it ended! I used to have a model of the car and I think I still have the paperback. Great to read your post with all the background info. Absolutely fascinating.
My step uncle was Peter Picton mainly known as Pierre the Clown. Amongst other things he owned and showed the main Chitty car. I think there were hmm maybe at least half a dozen and the one that Chris Evans famously bought wasn’t the main one . When I went to Peters funeral not many years ago there was a bunch of engineers and mechanics for the various Chitty cars there so I learnt pribably much more than I wanted or needed to. Wonderful moment when the theme music was played at the funeral. We all bounced up and down in our seats lol. Pierre took Chitty all over with himself dressed up and people could take photos and buy toy cars . Yup I’ve been for an actual ride in the car. Mad fun
Grew up with this film, still love it, still watch it when it comes on telly every Christmas, Easter….and I sing Hushabye Mountain to my baby grandson 💕
At a recent revival of The Tales of Hoffmann, almost dropped my popcorn when I realized Sir Robert had also played The Childcatcher - that explained the diabolical graceful movements, nose and all!
And wasn't he brilliant? And terrifying.
Nice. I have a soft spot for all this as I was born in 68 and now live in a village not far from where Fleming lived a while (and wrote CCBB?) in Bekesbourne, which is also a hub-cap's roll from Higham Park. The Higham estate has an incredible history, and the Count's activities and inventions are notorious and famous around here, even now.
I’m fascinated by the Count. I need to find out more…
Absolutely loved this read. Agree with you about everything BAR your reservations about Lionel Jefferies who is magnificent. POSH is a great number. Also you didn't mention From the Ashes of Disaster Grow the Roses of Success, also brilliant. PS I have been to Neuschwanstein Castle and it is as bonkers as depicted in the film, albeit without the Baroness falling into the moat.
LOL. I may have an agenda, despite my love of The Railway Children. When I was ten or so, I won a colouring competition. Mr J was to present the prize. A Five Pound Note. But the man failed to turn up. Never recovered. It's warped me for life.
I remember you writing about this and thought how deeply disappointment affects children. Adults should remember this. Turning up really matters.
and p.s. OBSESSED this end with Neuschwanstein. It's a wonderful thing. Those shots of the Zeppelin over the castle! Brilliant.