 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2023) |
| Child Catcher | |
|---|---|
| Chitty Chitty Bang Bang character | |
 | |
| First appearance | Chitty Chitty Bang Bang |
| Portrayed by | Sir Robert Helpmann |
| In-universe information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | Vulgarian |
The Child Catcher is a fictional character in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and in the later stage musical adaptation. The Child Catcher is employed by the Baron and Baroness Bomburst to snatch and imprison children on the streets of Vulgaria.
The Child Catcher does not appear in Fleming's original book. Reputedly, Roald Dahl (co-author of the film's screenplay) created the character.[1] Dahl's screenplay was heavily rewritten by Ken Hughes, the director, who said he had created the character.[2] However, the character's black hat, long black coat, pointed nose and role as, effectively, a Nazi substitute have been seen by some as antisemitic.[1]
- ^ a b Kerridge, Jake (7 December 2020). "Roald Dahl's life was tainted by anti-Semitism – but his work isn't". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ Chilton, Martin (20 December 2018). "10 things you didn't know about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". The Independent. Retrieved 17 February 2020.