37 Facts About The Movie The Wizard Of Oz

The Wizard of Oz was released in 1939

The iconic movie “The Wizard of Oz” was released in 1939, directed by Victor Fleming. It quickly became a timeless classic that has remained popular for over eight decades.

It is based on the book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”

The movie is an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s famous novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” published in 1900.

The film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale

Judy Garland, at the age of 16, played the lead role of Dorothy Gale. Her exceptional performance earned her a special place in Hollywood history.

The film was not initially a box office success

Despite its eventual status as a beloved classic, “The Wizard of Oz” did not achieve significant commercial success at the time of its release. However, it gained popularity through later re-releases and television broadcasts.

The movie features the famous song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” sung by Judy Garland, became an instant hit and is now considered one of the greatest songs in film history.

Margaret Hamilton was originally cast as a different character

Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, was initially cast as Glinda, the Good Witch. However, the role was eventually given to Billie Burke, and Hamilton took on the iconic role of the Wicked Witch.

The Cowardly Lion’s costume was made from real lion pelts

To create the costume for the Cowardly Lion, a real lion’s pelt was used. The decision caused controversy, leading to a switch to artificial fur for future productions.

The dog who played Toto was named Terry

Terry, a female Cairn Terrier, was the talented four-legged star who played Dorothy’s loyal companion, Toto. Terry’s performance in the film made her a beloved character.

The role of the Tin Man was recast due to health issues

Buddy Ebsen was initially cast as the Tin Man, but he had an allergic reaction to the aluminum powder makeup. Jack Haley replaced him in the role.

The movie features groundbreaking Technicolor technology

“The Wizard of Oz” was one of the first movies to fully utilize Technicolor technology, providing vibrant and memorable visuals that add to the film’s charm.

The film received two Academy Awards

“The Wizard of Oz” won Academy Awards for Best Original Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

The Emerald City scenes were shot in black and white

The scenes set in the Emerald City were filmed in black and white to create a mesmerizing transition when Dorothy and her friends enter into a world of vibrant colors.

Bert Lahr, who played the Cowardly Lion, required extensive makeup

Bert Lahr’s transformation into the Cowardly Lion required hours in the makeup chair. The process involved a rubber suit, a full headpiece, and fur that was glued to his face and hands.

Munchkins were played by adult actors

The Munchkin characters were portrayed by adult actors who were generally under 5 feet tall. Their costumes and makeup gave them a whimsical appearance that captivated audiences.

The iconic ruby slippers were originally silver in the book

In L. Frank Baum’s original book, Dorothy’s shoes were silver. However, for the film adaptation, they were changed to ruby slippers, which have become one of the most recognizable props in movie history.

The movie was not initially a financial success

Despite its popularity today, the movie did not become a financial success until it was re-released in the 1940s. The subsequent television broadcasts also contributed to its growing fame.

“The Wizard of Oz” is considered a musical fantasy

The film combines elements of a musical and fantasy genres, with memorable musical numbers and enchanting storylines that have captivated generations of audiences.

The movie’s production faced many challenges

The production of “The Wizard of Oz” was not without difficulties. From recasting roles to making sure the special effects worked seamlessly, the crew had to overcome numerous obstacles to bring the magical world of Oz to life.

The Tin Man’s costume weighed around 90 pounds

Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man, had to endure the weight of the tin suit during filming. Despite the discomfort, his performance was widely acclaimed.

The film features iconic characters and quotes

Characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, along with their memorable lines, such as “There’s no place like home,” have become ingrained in popular culture.

The movie’s success inspired several adaptations

The enduring popularity of “The Wizard of Oz” led to various adaptations, including stage productions, spin-off movies, and even a prequel titled “Oz the Great and Powerful” released in 2013.

The film’s budget surpassed $2.7 million

At the time of its release, “The Wizard of Oz” was one of the most expensive movies ever made, with a budget that exceeded $2.7 million.

The movie’s original running time was over two hours

The initial cut of “The Wizard of Oz” had a running time of over two hours, but it was later trimmed down to its current length of approximately 101 minutes.

The film features both live-action and animation

“The Wizard of Oz” seamlessly blends live-action sequences with animated scenes, creating a visually stunning experience for the audience.

The movie’s success was partly due to its annual TV broadcasts

Starting in the 1950s, the movie became an annual tradition to be broadcast on television, contributing to its enduring popularity and introducing it to new generations.

The film was preserved in the National Film Registry

In 1989, “The Wizard of Oz” was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

The original unedited footage of deleted scenes is lost

Unfortunately, the original footage of some deleted scenes from “The Wizard of Oz” no longer exists. Only a few still images and scripts remain, leaving fans curious about what could have been.

Several actors played multiple roles in the film

Some of the actors in “The Wizard of Oz” played dual roles. For example, Frank Morgan portrayed five characters, including the Wizard and Professor Marvel.

The film’s special effects were groundbreaking at the time

The movie’s special effects, such as the twister sequence and the melting witch, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking during the era, leaving audiences in awe.

The movie was initially intended to be shorter

At first, “The Wizard of Oz” was planned to be a shorter film. However, due to its strong storyline and engaging performances, the decision was made to expand its length to better captivate the audience.

The film’s success was driven by word-of-mouth

Initially, “The Wizard of Oz” did not receive widespread attention, but positive word-of-mouth from audiences who had seen it propelled its popularity, leading to its enduring success.

Munchkinland set was the most expensive at the time

The creation of the Munchkinland set for “The Wizard of Oz” was a significant production undertaking, making it the most expensive set at that time, costing around $80,000.

The film was adapted into a successful stage musical

“The Wizard of Oz” was adapted into a stage musical in 1902, and it continues to be a popular and successful production, delighting audiences worldwide.

The movie’s release was met with critical acclaim

Despite its initial lack of commercial success, “The Wizard of Oz” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its storytelling, performances, and visual effects.

The movie has been referenced and parodied in numerous other films

Over the years, “The Wizard of Oz” has been referenced and parodied in various films and TV shows, demonstrating its enduring influence on popular culture.

The film has remained a family favorite for generations

Through its timeless story, captivating characters, and unforgettable songs, “The Wizard of Oz” has continued to be a favorite among families, entertaining young and old alike.

The movie’s message resonates even today

At its core, “The Wizard of Oz” is a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of home. Its profound message continues to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved cinematic masterpiece.

Conclusion

The Wizard of Oz is an iconic film that has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. With its timeless story, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects, the movie continues to be a beloved classic. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the magical world of Oz, these 37 facts provide a fascinating glimpse into the making of this legendary film. From behind-the-scenes secrets to interesting trivia, these facts showcase the incredible dedication and creativity that went into bringing Dorothy and her friends to life. So sit back, relax, and let the magic of The Wizard of Oz transport you to a world of wonder and imagination.

FAQs

1. Who directed The Wizard of Oz?

The Wizard of Oz was directed by Victor Fleming, although he was not the film’s initial director. Before Fleming, Richard Thorpe and George Cukor were also attached to the project.

2. When was The Wizard of Oz released?

The movie was released on August 25, 1939, and has since become one of the most iconic films in history.

3. Who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz?

Dorothy was played by a young Judy Garland, who was only 16 years old at the time of filming.

4. Was The Wizard of Oz a success at the box office?

Yes, The Wizard of Oz was a box office success, earning over $3 million in its initial release. It has since gone on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

5. Is The Wizard of Oz based on a book?

Yes, The Wizard of Oz is based on the book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, which was published in 1900.