Original artwork, not a still
So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.
— Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory • 1971
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
A joke that doubles as a character note: Wonka cannot keep a straight line of thought, and corrects himself so briskly it becomes charm. 'Strike that, reverse it' has become an everyday phrase for taking back what you said and doing the opposite, quoted at work, in games and in comedy writing.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Willy Wonka & the Chocolate FactoryShow the scene
In the closing minutes of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Wonka reveals that the 'Slugworth' who tempted the children was his own employee Mr. Wilkinson, and that Charlie, having passed the final test, has won the whole factory. Wonka tells Charlie and Grandpa Joe that the chocolate is only the beginning and that they must hurry, then rushes them on. He corrects himself in mid-sentence, which is where the famous reversal comes from.
Sources (1)
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Wikiquote)Final sceneReference checked
Context reviewed
