A sweet treat of ‘pure imagination’ comes to Movie Night at the Museum

Movie Night at the Museum brings the 1971 musical fantasy, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” to the big screen March 25. 

Based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the film tells the story of poor Charlie Bucket, played by Peter Ostrum, who finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar and wins a chance, along with four other children, to visit Willy Wonka’s wonderous chocolate factory.  

Starring Gene Wilder, the film received generally positive reviews and experienced moderate financial success and introduced the audience to songs, such as “The Candy Man,” which became a hit when it was later recorded by Sammy Davis Jr. The movie was nominated for Best Original Score at the Academy Awards, and Wilder was nominated for Best Performance in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globes.  

Over the years, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” became a popular film thanks to repeated airing on television. In 2014, it was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Doors open 6:30 p.m. The film starts at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. 

Admission and popcorn are free. Soda, water, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Seating is provided, but viewers are welcome to bring their own cushions or seating.  

Celebrating its 25-year anniversary, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information call 756-8381.