Movie Night at the Museum

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, Movie Night at the Museum will feature Gene Wilder in the 1971 musical fantasy Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. 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 chocolate factory.

The film received generally positive reviews, and experienced moderate financial success, but it did introduce the song “The Candy Man,” which was later recorded by Sammy Davis Jr. and became a hit. 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 has become a popular film thanks to repeated airing on television. It was selected in 2014 for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Doors open 6:30 p.m. Admission and popcorn are free, but donations are accepted to help defray the costs of Movie Night. Soda, water, beer, and wine are available for purchase. Seating is provided, but viewers are welcome to bring their own cushions or seating.

Marking its 25-year anniversary, the Northwest Montana History Museum brings the past alive through exhibits, artifacts, educational programs, and events. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. For information call 406-756-8381.