'Willy Wonka,' 'Blazing Saddles,' Coming To North Jersey AMC

The life of Gene Wilder, the wild-haired comedic actor, will be honored with special screenings of "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" and "Blazing Saddles" this weekend.

AMC Theaters will screen two of Wilder's best-known movies at the Clifton Commons 16 beginning Friday and through Sept. 15.

Wilder died Aug. 29. He was 83. It was his friendship with Mel Brooks that helped Wilder earn success as a movie star with roles in Brooks' "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein."

However, it was Wilder's portrayal of Roald Dahl's magical and beloved character Willy Wonka in the 1971 movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" that spanned generations.

"Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" will be screened daily at 5 p.m. and Blazing Saddles at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5.

To purchase "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" tickets, click here and for "Blazing Saddles" tickets click here.

Gene Wilder — Image Credit: Caroline Bonarde Ucci [GFDL or CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons