Where the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cast are now - from surprise arrest to tragic deaths

Sally Ann Howes stars in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968

The iconic children's film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang first graced our screens more than half a century ago. The 56-year-old film is still a popular family classic even now, since its release in 1968.

The heartwarming family film centres around a magical flying car, invented by Dick Van Dyke's character, Caractacus Potts. The doting dad, his two children and his romantic interest, Truly Scrumptious, embark on a magical adventure.

They travel to a land ruled by an evil Baron who locks up kids caught by the sinister Childcatcher. After a chaotic time, where the children are captured, the film has a delightfully happy ending.

James Bond author Ian Fleming's novel was the brains behind the plot and the screenplay was co-written by famous author Roald Dahl. The outcome brought some memorable TV moments, which have since been turned into stage plays too.

More than 50 years on since the film's release, we take a look at what happened to some of the cast members.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang hit screens 56 years ago (Image: Rex features)

Dick Van Dyke

Dick Van Dyke played the role of inventor Caractacus Potts. He has an expansive career, spanning seven decades, and is one of the most well-known faces in Hollywood.

The star is still going strong at 99 years old, and in his impressive career he has won a Grammy, Tony and five Primetime Emmy Awards and he has a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.

Before starring in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dick was already a household name from playing Bert the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins. He has also starred in the self-titled The Dick Van Dyke show, Night at the Museum, Curious George and Dick Tracy.

Heather Ripley

Heather was just eight years old when she played cute blonde Jemima Potts. However, it seems that the child star was hugely impacted by fame.

The actress ran away from her Dundee home when she was in her teens due to family problems that she initially blamed on the film. She previously said: "For a long time I blamed the split of my family on the film.

Dick Van Dyke played the role of inventor Caractacus Potts. (Image: Getty)

"As an eight-year-old it was a natural conclusion to reach, that it must be the film's fault. But I am now beginning to realise that there are some problems in my family that have nothing to do with the film."

However, it seems her troubles didn't end there as she later found herself in hot water with the law. In 1984, she was arrested during a protest at the Faslane nuclear submarine base in Scotland after lying down in the road to block traffic.

She was released without charge after 15 hours in custody. Then, in 2006, she was arrested for driving without a licence.

Sally Ann Howes

Sally Ann played Truly Scrumptious, the daughter of a confectionery magnate and love interest to Caractacus. One of her most memorable moments from the film was when she sang Doll On A Music Box, performed as she span in a giant musical box.

After the film, the star admitted to US TV show host and actress Rosie O'Donnell that she had lied about being able to dance in order to get the role. She shared that she was especially proud to get the music box scene boxed off in just one take.

The actress also turned away from TV and film roles as she returned to the stage. "I would have liked a film career, but I didn't pursue it - I just loved connecting with an audience," she once said. "The theatre is a drug. The problem is that to be remembered, you have to do films."

The British star died in Palm Beach in December, aged 91.

Adrian Hall

Adrian was just nine years old when he took on the role of Jeremy Potts. While he appeared in such an iconic film, the young actor later blamed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for his failure to land more roles.

He said: “I know that it stopped me being considered for roles. People only think you're a child actor." Adrian went on to attend drama school at the age of 18, before giving up acting to work as a teacher at the Guildford School of Drama.

However, in 2021 the former actor left his post as the school's principal following reported widespread allegations of racism against the drama school and a six-month internal investigation.

Sally Ann Howes was Truly Scrumptious (Image: Getty)

Robert Helpmann

Robert portrayed the sinister role of the Childcatcher. Despite the role bringing many children nightmares, the actor was actually really caring towards the kids on set.

He put his young co-stars as ease by making them laugh between takes, meaning they often struggled to keep a straight face when the cameras rolled.

Away from the film, he had a successful career in dance. The star was an award-winning ballet dancer, frequently partnered with the legendary Margot Fonteyn. He was principal dancer at Sadler's Wells Ballet from 1933 to 1950 and went on to become the director of the Australian Ballet Company.

Lifelong smoker Sir Robert died in 1986, at age the age of 77, from emphysema.