SAMMY DAVIS, JR.: ALMOST A WONKA STAR

SAMMY DAVIS, JR.: ALMOST A WONKA STAR

LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) -- This year marks the 30th anniversary of "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory," the movie that introduced the hit song, "Candy Man," Although Sammy Davis, Jr. had a 1972 hit with "Candy Man," he didn't perform it in "Wonka" -- but not for lack of trying. "Wonka" director Mel Stuart now reveals that Davis, Jr. begged to sing the song in the film. However, in the end, Stuart chose character actor Aubrey Woods to sing the ditty because he felt a celebrity cameo would distract from "the realistic quality of the story." "Willy Wonka" airs January 21 on ABC and a DVD featuring Stuart will be released later this year.