The songs scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where "Doll on a Music Box" and "Truly Scrumptious" sung by Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes. This was my favorite part of the movie since I was a little girl :)
Can we take a moment to appreciate the difficulty that is Sally's part. She had to stand up there and not move her eyes so that she'd look like a doll but move her mouth to sing. She couldn't even move her shoulders or her chest to breathe while she was singing!!! And her movements had to be on point and sharp. That takes a lot honestly and I love this part of the movie because of the artistry that comes with her dance
In film musicals the songs are usually pre-recorded to get the best quality and the actors later lip-sync to them. Singing well and dancing at the same time is pretty much impossible.
This is simply a spellbindingly beautiful performance by Sally Ann. I'd just like to leave this little comment here, so that if in a month or year or two someone likes it, I'm reminded to re-visit this magical moment 🧡
Yeah it took me a few minutes to see what exactly what he was looking at. Because it looked like he was admiring the make up until he saw his nose and was like 😯
I met Dick Van Dyke for a book signing of his autobiography. He was so sweet and curtious to us. My mother told him how much she loved this movie and he just smiled. After she said that, I said how much Mary Poppins meant to me as a kid and he lit up, took my hand, and said how great that made him feel. We were curious as to why he reacted this way. We read his autobiography and it turns out he HATED making Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and loved Mary Poppins although the accent was a pain. Who knew XD
If you buy the mary poppins special edition soundtrack theres a second copy of rare interviews especially with the author and in one interview Dick did with Julia he did mention it was hard to do the accent 😂
This moment of the movie is so beautiful, he finally confesses and realizes his love for her, which is what she waited for was for him to fall in love with her as she expresses in "lovely lonely man". And her music box song represents her rich lifestyle she hated living being a doll on a music box having her life planned out for her, finally breaking free from that and living the life she wants as a mother and wife.
I find this scene to be the most romantic in cinematic history. It's the only one that blends a love confession to be a public and private affair. Public, because there's people around. Private, because only the two of them understand. They share one look, the king notices, and it's immediately back to business. Because what matters is freeing the kids. And free the kids the did, and they did it together. And the love confession directly moves forward the plot in more than one way. Truly brilliant writing.
Well said. You've encapsulated exactly how I feel about this scene. For me, it's one of the greatest and one of my favourite scenes in cinema. It's the scene I keep revisiting and yet still manage to feel so many bitter-sweet emotions. I feel my heart aching whenever I watch it. Beautiful.
Not just that, "This sequence is a part of Caractacus's story, which he is telling to Truly and his children. In the song, Caractacus plays a rag doll, too flexible for his own good; whereas, Truly plays a doll that is too rigid for her own good. Twice during the counterpoint, the rag doll approaches the doll, only to be slapped in the face. This mirrors the earlier story where Caractacus's first two interactions with Truly are mistimed as well. The rag doll keeps trying, when suddenly he captures his own reflection and realizes how foolish he appears. It is only when Truly momentarily breaks character and shoves him slightly into the mirror to get his attention that he returns to his character. The rag doll properly courts the doll and is about to kiss the doll's hand, when she retracts her hand from him just in time. Rigidity wins out. Only at the end of the movie do Caractacus and Truly truly see eye to eye."
"The Doll on a Music Box" represents what these characters are actually feeling throughout the film. High society life made Truly feel trapped and unhappy. Caractacus and the kids have unlocked her suppressed sense of fun and adventure and taught her the value of true human connection. As for Caractacus, he was so wild and reckless in his inventions that he truly did live life like a rag doll, and without the kids there to protect, he may have gone as insane and delusional as his dad. But Truly has grounded him and shown him how to be practical while still maintaining dreams and hopes. Her withdrawal of her hand from his kiss symbolizes their shared fears of their social and personal differences, yet the look she gives him at the very end speaks volumes and reveals her eternal love. So many layers to this scene that I never noticed as a child. Absolutely brilliant.
Such sad news. Sally-Anne Howes "Truly Scrumptious" has passed away. So much talent, this scene was apparently done in one take. Another great actress and singer sadly leaves us. This song and her singing Hushabye Mountain gives me goosebumps. Her voice was just so comforting as a child, pure and clear. RIP lovely lady ❤💖💕
Over a decade later, and I suddenly feel compelled to look for this scene in particular. It's the choreography. The movie is filled with memorable numbers, to be sure, but it's this scene's _choreography_ that strikes me as enchantingly beautiful.
I think it’s the doll . There is something profoundly sad about her plus she sings and moves absolute perfectly . I have always found this section fascinating .I think some of the other performances very clever .
Sally obviously did amazing and probably made a lot of effort and practice to it. But you also gotta appreciate the *character* (Truly Scrumptious) she played in the film. She got into costume, made a whole song, memorized the choreo ( _synced perfectly with the music_ ) and did a flawless imitation of a doll _twice_ in the span of a few hours before this scene. Get that girl a frickin award.
It took me years to notice the cheat that happens when he gets up out of the box - namely, that the music box with the doll completely disappears. He gets the entire floor to do his introductory dance, and then suddenly the music box is back! Clearly the director realized nobody would notice, and it worked.
yeah but at the end of the day the rule is that we are meant to appreciate the escapism rather than the details. i really like the shot that begins at 1:29 that zooms out twice
Actually, it's very straining on the body the amount of stress and torture in practicing dances and singing at the same time caused a lot of health issues in theatre. It's not that Theatre doesn't want to do pieces like this anymore, it's that they value their actors more.
Okay. I really thought it was a doll at first. Her acting is so superb. In Glass Mask there is a drama where the main character must stay as a doll and not blink. I thought it was impossible. But then this
I don't know how to define nor justify this, but this is one of the most romantic, poignant scenes ever spoken on celluloid. Perhaps it's the transition from mechanical to human, jocular to love, that speaks a deeper truth. Oh, and the tension of unrequited love turned requited at the end, with the flick of a smile and the wink of an eye, that hits deep.
August Barrett Your eloquence is greater than you suppose. I saw the thumbnail for this video and was immediately intrigued. What you said obviously resonates with more than just one viewer. In fact. I would go so far as to say that you have provided the ideal caption / commentary to this scene. I would also say that what this engenders within me is identical to what Hans Christian Andersen's story The Steadfast Tin Soldier engenders within me...except that this little scenario has a more uplifting conclusion
I agree with you and I also feel that the wonderful musical score in this movie has a great deal to do with its poignancy and charm, especially in this scene.
I first saw this 50 years ago. This is the scene and the beautiful, poignant song that has never left me. I am as captivated by it in middle age as I was as a child. It is perfect in every way and quite unlike any scene filmed before it. I very clearly remember absolutely loving this moment and being thrilled by its invention and performances but at the same time being highly nervous they would make an error or be exposed and be captured by the baron. This wonderful film has more than stood the test of time and it also stands the test of growing up - coming back to it in late adulthood, it is just as wonderful as ever it was to a wide-eyed child.
From a story I read Sally Ann Howes trained so vigorously to imitate the same limited movements of a french doll and had those lessons added to the current choreography of this song. She had to to appear lifeless and animated at the same time and it is so lovely.
If that is Sally Anne Howe singing, her voice is so beautiful! When I was a kid, hearing this song every time this was on tv (1x per yr, pre cable tv) was imperative!
R.I.P. Gert Frobe (1913-1988) - Baron Bomburst, Benny Hill (1924-1992) - The Toymaker, Anna Quayle (1932-2019) - Baroness Bomburst and Sally Ann Howes (1930-2021) - Truly Scrumptious.
What do you mean was? lol he is still kickin and hilarious! his wife is 46 years younger than him! Just goes to show how young at heart he still is and age is just a number!!
What do you mean was? lol he is still kickin and hilarious! his wife is 46 years younger than him! Just goes to show how young at heart he still is and age is just a number!!
OH i thought it was him staying in character with the "omg who is that other me?" in the mirror and Truly was winding him up by shoving him. either way one of my fave moments
Rest in peace to Sally Ann Howes. She passed on December 19, 2021 at age 91. I only really knew her for this role, but I'll never forget her. She was excellent.
I just found out that the book was written by Ian Fleming the same guy who wrote the James Bond books! My mom says that she used to play this movie for me when I was little and I would be mesmerized by them. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins were (and still are) my favorites!
💃🏻 🤡 What do you see (Truly Scrumptious) You people gazing at me (you're truly truly scrumptious) You see a doll on a music box, that's wound by a key (scrumptious a cherry peach parfait) How can you tell I'm (when you’re near me) Under a spell I'm (it’s so delicious) Waiting for love's first kiss (honest truly, your the answer to my wishes) You cannot see (Truly Scrumptious) How much I long to be free (though I may seem presumptuous) Turning around on this music box that's wound by a key (never never ever go away) Yearning (my heart beats so unruly) Yearning (because I love you truly) While I'm turning around and around (honest truly I do)
I just watched this now and I read the lyrics wisely however I can tell these human puppets are looking for help because they got controlled by that person. Don't come and get me I'm just a rookie for now
I watched this film over 100 times as a kid but as an adult i get an entirely new appreciation for it. This scene is amazing, no idea how they pulled it off
Anyone else seee the hidden meaning behind Truly's song? She sings of how she longs to be free from her rich lifestyle and having her life planned. Its actually really beautiful when u think about it. Also classic moment when DVD goes to kiss her hand and Sally's just like 'nope!"
RIP Sally Ann Howes...I missed my chance to see this at the theater, but saw it many times on TV. Perfect casting all around and real nostalgia medicine. It could NOT be made today and I hope no one attempts a remake.
Mikaylah Smith ...... hasnt stopped me eating lollipops,treacle tarts or ice cream LOL ..... it was scary as a child but its very funny now when i watch it.....brilliant actor.
This is such a wonderful, wonderful piece/scene. Howes is absolutely amazing. Van Dyke shines, as usual. It's such a simple ploy, melding "Music Box" with "Truly Scrumptious," but not at all easy. Truly seamless, truly memorable... truly scrumptious.
I can't get over how brilliant this scene is. The two performances are both exquisite, and the contrapuntal songs blend together to create something really magical.
i've seen this movie a couple years ago when i was 9 or so. No idea how I got myself to watch a 1968 film but it definitely was an amazing one. love this
The same thing happened to me. I was rehearsing the doll aria from the opera “Tales of Hoffman” which is very similar in concept to this scene, so I immediately thought of this scene from my childhood, and went to look it up, and I got to thinking how I always thought Sally Ann Howes was so underrated, and then I saw the news…
The last bit, when he goes to kiss her hand, she pulls away, but then smiles at him, had me blubbering fifty years ago. It still does. Brilliant staging, singing, acting, counterpoint of the songs was and remains a brilliant, clever moment.
This is one of the most underrated movies of all time. No computerized moves just superior talent and impeccable timing. Also, it’s funny seeing Gert Frobe (Goldfinger) in this role.
Heard of chitty chitty bang bang but never seen it. Accidentally turned it on and it was right before this performance and how spell binding the performance was! Her voice, her acting, the song! This is what movie magic should be! *chef kiss
I was 5yrs old and was taken to see this after my Grandad passed away , it's a lovely part I the film and whenever I see it it reminds me of him I do cry a little bit bit they are happy tears now .
When I was little this movie and the Wizard of Oz were on every single day. I used to love this scene and play close attention to it every single time and my Mom told me I used to act out the music box part when I was little, I used to act out a lot of stuff in movies and TV shows because I loved it so much. I haven’t watched the movie in forever though, but I do have it. Then I found clips and decided to watch them and found this clip, it brought back so many memories and I’ve fallen in love with this song and dance all over again, and it’s crazy because I now have my own music box collection and I love musicals, and this is a musical, so it’s even more special. I wish movies were more cute and special like this and had more meaning and thought. Some today’s movies are pretty good, but when I see older versions of movies, barbie movies, TV series, they are always so much better. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
My heart flutters every time Truly smiles at Caractacus at the very end of the musical number! Such a unique musical number we do not see in films today - it truly is my favourite musical number in the film for it is quite elegant!
I had this movie on vhs as a kid and watched it constantly, but I adored this scene specifically and would rewind it over and over again. Her movements always fascinated me, and I thought her singing was so pretty. And then the layered vocals. Just *chefs kiss* I kinda wish there was a version of the song without him getting interrupted
This movie premiered when I was 5 and I thought it was the best movie of my childhood. Sally Ann Howes took the part after Julie Andrews turned it down. I am so happy both of them did. I like them both but nobody is as Truly Scrumptious as Sally Ann. Perfection. This movie had everything. A great car. Dick Van Dyke. Lionel Jeffries, who is absolutely hilarious and Goldfinger. The scenery and sets are magical. And there's not a bad song in the entire show. James Bond for children. I still watch it on Pluto 55 years later whenever I see it on. Me old bamboo, me old bamboo...
At 10 years old,this movie was magic to me at the theater. 50 years later, still hits a nerve, such a great story, collecting Barbie as I do, an old friend who used to work at Mattel, took a German Barbie and recreated this magnificent costume dirndl worn by Sally Ann Howes and surprised me on my birthday, of all my collection, it's my favorite. Dick Van Dyke, so very talented, Michael Jackson (RIP) could have learned from watching Mr Van Dyke to prep for playing the scarecrow in "The Wiz", another magic movie, I loved it ,in spite of Miss Ross being a bit old for portraying Dorothy, but, it's Diana, and Michael wasn't the only one who worshipped her...since I was a kid...me too !
I have not seen this film in a long long while but to this day, I miss it already. And just at the time of Sally Ann Howes' passing, I was surprised to learn this was filmed on the first take!
The civic center in a town nearby is very famous for doing their annual summer plays and musicals. Last summer, they did Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the girl who played Truly Scrumptious had to recreate this scene five times for all for nights and dress rehearsal. Let's just say she nailed this perfectly.
This was one of my comfort movies as a young kid. This and the Wizard of Oz were two of my favorites . I was always so mesmerized with this scene in particular of the movie. Something about Sally Ann Howes & Duck Van Dyke’s performances just really caught my attention as a kid. To find out later that this scene was shot in one take made this scene even more terrific. My grandparents were to ones who really catapulted my love of this film and the Wizard of Oz. I wish I could go back to those simpler times. Watching both of the movies bring a part of that back.