tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916242914761037177.post6290150899346869127..comments2023-10-24T06:12:27.684-05:00Comments on Tiddlywinks and Pick-up Sticks: Let’s grab our gobsticks and gobble some grub. (Vocab. #10)Janet Hale Tabinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10129011993480499373noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916242914761037177.post-56859299891378608032010-09-10T16:17:42.124-05:002010-09-10T16:17:42.124-05:00While I can offer no insight into it's region ...While I can offer no insight into it's region of origin or coining authors identity, I can perhaps shed some light on a possible source of introduction into thy minds wellspring explaining why Sandra's post might have churned its depths causing the Gobstopper term to come suddenly bubbling up to the shallows of conscious thought. <br /><br />If you're from the USA the chance you may have been exposed to the word in a novel published around 1964 by Roald Dahl or I predict more likely, the film, later adapted from it and released in 1971. While well received, and profitable. It's box office numbers were considered disappointing at it's time of release. Due some say, to lack of promotion by the studio. It ranked 53 rd on the list of highest grossing films in the US of that year, earning roughly $4 million on a $2.9 million budget. <br />But thanks to TV and video sales by the mid-1980's it had had experienced a spike in popularity as somewhat of a cult classic which continues today gently evolving into a treasured classic still to be enjoyed by awaiting generations. <br /><br />The movie of which I write is, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory". And nestled prominently and importantly among the stories many messages, in a role that required a misdirecting presentation of it's roles true nature, which in turn lent to being remembered in a somewhat subtle manner when mixed in with the over the top dramatic company of all the films other insanity. <br />The role (I'll borrow your research to describe it) called for a large, hard, round confection. Which state-side, is known as a jawbreaker.<br />But in the world of Wonka carried the moniker of........ drum roll...<br /><br /> THE EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPER!!!!<br /><br />This was the item that was to determine (by the character Charlie's choices of handling it) if he would be the chosen one in Wonkas secret search for a worthy heir to live in and run the magnificent chocolate empire. <br /><br />Here's a link to read further:<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Wonka_&_the_Chocolate_Factory<br /><br /><br />Of course if you never saw it. It wouldn't be the first time I was incorrect. Likely not the last either.<br /><br />Anywhoo.... it seems I may have missed my calling as its promotion director.<br />So I better shut my yammering fontgob & get back to my dayjob.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com