August 31, 2016
Courtesy of Venice Island Performing Arts Recreation Center/PhillyVoice
The Venice Island Performing Arts Recreation Center will honor Gene Wilder with a screening of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."
It was announced on Aug. 29 that Gene Wilder had died at the age of 83. The actor was beloved for his comedic performances in films like "Young Frankenstein" and "Blazing Saddles."
Perhaps his best-known role, however, was as the eccentric candy man in the 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." Wilder delivered a memorable performance and created an iconic character.
He came up with the idea for his grand entrance, where he would limp, start to fall and turn it into a summersault, as a way to show Wonka was completely unpredictable.
To honor Wilder, the Venice Island Performing Arts Recreation Center in Manayunk will host a free screening of "Willy Wonka" over Labor Day weekend.
On Sept. 2, head to 7 Lock St. for the 7:30 p.m. showing, and maybe bring some chocolate to get into the spirit of the movie.
