Whether or not Peter Ostrum and Gene Wilder enjoyed “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the film was a hit. Perhaps this story’s re-entrance into the wider moviegoing consciousness is why director Michael Moore licensed music from the first film to use in his 2007 documentary “Sicko.”
The film has absolutely nothing to do with either adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel. However, in one scene Moore opted to use a recording from “Willy Wonka” of Peter Ostrum singing “(I’ve Got a) Golden Ticket” alongside Jack Albertson. Its inclusion is notable, as Ostrum was once told — or, rather, assured — that his singing voice wouldn’t appear in the final cut of the film.
“When I auditioned for the film,” he began to NPR, “I had to sing and they said, ‘Don’t worry … We’ll probably cut your voice out and we’ll use somebody else’s voice.'” Ostrum, who didn’t think his singing was up to par, was glad to hear it. Nevertheless, they ultimately used his voice, preserving it for near-eternity within one of the most recognizable songs ever in a movie musical.
