- L. Frank Baum's classic, has enthralled and thrilled children of all ages for five decades. This film has become a time-honored institution throughout the world, and deservedly so. Three Oscars, (one a special children's Oscar), were awarded to this fine film in 1940, by the Academy of Motion Pictures. It should have won more. The film was honored by the American Film Institute, placing sixth in the top 100 movies of all time.
- A remake essentially, (the book was previously filmed in 1925); the classic became a Musical under the direction of Victor Fleming.
- The role of "Dorothy" was originally written for Shirley Temple, but luckily for us, Judy Garland landed the prized role. Buddy Ebsen, was cast as the "Tin Man", but became allergic to the heavy make-up, and was soon replaced by Jack Haley. Prints of Ebsen's work still survive, and are sometimes made available to the public. (Ebsen went on to play the lovable "Jedd Clampett" in the "BEVERLY HILLBILLIES"; a successful television comedy of the sixties.) Frank Morgan got quite a workout playing five different characters. Three of them are obvious. The other two will test your trivia skills. Can you name them? (E-mail me and I'll tell you all five.) Margaret Hamilton was so effective as the Wicked Witch, she became typecast after the film. For many years this very sweet and amiable lady played "witch-types". I remember fondly, watching her on "MISTER ROGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD", talking to children about the appearances of others. She was the complete opposite of her image.
- Rumours abound about a supposed suicide during filming. Some say you can see the body hanging in the trees during the forest scene. This is typical "Urban Legend", and no evidence exists to support this.
- This wonderful film was a cinematic milestone. The colors are brilliant, and the obvious stage sets seem real and enchanting. Kansas, filmed in B&W, and Oz in glorious color; are convincing due to the genius of the Art Director. The music is magnificent! "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" still gets me singing, even after viewing this film at least thirty times. Fleming's Direction is flawless. The images of the fine cast, will forever influence our visions of "Oz".
- A live-action sequel was finally filmed in 1985. "RETURN TO OZ", a non-musical, darker film, was a major disappointment to "Oz" fans. The film wasn't really that bad. The problem was the identification factor. People and critics, were disappointed. The magic was gone, just as most of the cast now was.
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