The world is astounded when reclusive and enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), whose family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat. Miraculously, Charlie snags the last of the five golden tickets, and he and his grandfather (Jack Albertson), along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the children. Can Charlie beat the odds and grab the brass ring?