"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" did poorly when it premiered in 1971.
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory."
"Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory"/Paramount PicturesThe whimsical movie based on Roald Dahl's classic novel has become a must-watch over time.
It didn't fare well at the box office when it first premiered in 1971, making only $4 million, which was not much more than its $3 million budget.
After Paramount Pictures reportedly failed to renew its distribution deal for "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," Warner Brothers bought the film rights and brought it to TV where it found new appreciation.
Persons:
Willy Wonka, Gene Wilder, Roald Dahl's
Organizations:
Paramount, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers