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Official Blog of the AALS Section on Contracts

Film Clips: Willie Wonka on obligations

     Grandpa Joe:  Mister Wonka?
    Willy Wonka:  I am extraordinarily busy, sir.
     Grandpa Joe:  I was just wondering about the chocolate.  The lifetime supply of chocolate?  For Charlie?  When does he get it?
     Willy Wonka:  He doesn’t.
     Grandpa Joe:  Why not?
    Willy Wonka:  Because he broke the rules.
     Grandpa Joe:  What rules?  We didn’t see any rules, did we, Charlie?
    Willy Wonka:  Wrong, sir. Wrong.  Under section 37B of the contract signed by him, it states quite clearly that all offers shall become null and void if—and you can read it for yourself in this photostatic copy—”I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses herein and herein contained,” et cetera, et cetera . . .  “Fax mentis incendium gloria cultum,” et cetera, et cetera . . .  “Memo bis punitor delicatum.”  It’s all there, black and white, clear as crystal.  You stole fizzy lifting drinks.  You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and sterilized, so you get nothing.  You lose.   Good day sir.
     Grandpa Joe:  You’re a crook.  You’re a cheat and a swindler.  How could you do a thing like this, raise up a little boy’s hopes and then dash all his dreams to pieces?  You’re an inhuman monster.
     Willy Wonka: I said good day.

From:  Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

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