The Wizard of Oz was released in 1939, 80 years ago.

This timeless classic has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, memorable characters, and iconic musical numbers.

The movie is based on the 1900 children’s novel by L. Frank Baum.

Baum’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” served as the foundation for the film’s magical world of Oz.

Judy Garland, at the age of 16, played the leading role of Dorothy Gale.

Her portrayal of the young Kansas girl swept away to a land of magic and adventure remains one of her most iconic performances.

The film features a highly recognizable song, “Over the Rainbow.”

Performed by Judy Garland, the song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has become the signature tune of the movie.

The Technicolor sequences in the movie were groundbreaking for its time.

The vibrant colors of Oz contrasted with the sepia-toned Kansas scenes, creating a visually stunning experience for audiences.

Toto, Dorothy’s loyal dog, was played by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry.

Terry received a salary of $125 per week, which was more than some of the human actors in the film.

The famous line, “There’s no place like home,” was voted as the #1 movie quote by the American Film Institute.

This phrase has become synonymous with the movie and is often quoted and referenced in popular culture.

Many actors were considered for the role of the Scarecrow, including Buddy Ebsen and W.C. Fields.

Ultimately, the role went to Ray Bolger, who brought his unique physicality to the character.

Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, was severely burned during a stunt gone wrong.

Her iconic green makeup was made from copper-based paint, which unfortunately was highly flammable.

The Wicked Witch’s real name, Elphaba, was later used in the hit Broadway musical Wicked.

The musical serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and tells the story of the Witch’s life before Dorothy arrived in Oz.

The munchkins in the film were portrayed by adult actors who were shorter than average.

Their unique costumes and performances brought the whimsical inhabitants of Munchkinland to life.

The iconic ruby slippers were originally silver in L. Frank Baum’s novel.

However, the filmmakers decided to change the color to take full advantage of the Technicolor technology.

The tornado scene was created with a combination of practical effects, such as wind machines, and miniature models.

This scene remains one of the most memorable and visually striking moments in the movie.

The phrase “we’re not in Kansas anymore” has become a popular expression to signify being in a completely unfamiliar or different environment.

This line is spoken by Dorothy upon her arrival in Oz and has permeated popular culture ever since.

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

The use of real fur was common in movies of that era, but it is now considered unethical and inhumane.

The movie was originally intended to be a showcase for the newly popular Technicolor process.

However, it ultimately became a beloved and enduring classic, overshadowing the technical aspects.

The film was not an immediate box office success upon its release.

It wasn’t until years later, with the advent of television, that The Wizard of Oz gained a wide and devoted audience.

The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Although it didn’t win in that category, it did take home two Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.

The actor who played the Tin Man, Jack Haley, had to be hospitalized due to an allergic reaction to his makeup.

His silver makeup contained aluminum powder, which caused a severe eye infection.

The name “Oz” was derived from a filing cabinet labeled “O-Z” in the studio’s office.

When brainstorming names for the magical land, someone noticed the label and the name stuck.

The film’s director, Victor Fleming, also directed another iconic film released the same year – Gone with the Wind.

His work on both films solidified his place in cinematic history.

The horses seen in the Emerald City scenes were colored with Jell-O crystals to achieve their vibrant hues.

The horses had to be washed off after each scene since the Jell-O attracted flies.

The movie was one of the first to incorporate a musical score throughout the entire film.

This helped to enhance the storytelling and create a more cohesive viewing experience.

The Wizard of Oz was one of the first films to be shown on television.

It premiered on television in 1956, introducing a whole new generation to the magic of Oz.

The movie’s budget was estimated to be around $2.8 million, a significant sum for that time.

However, it proved to be a worthwhile investment as the film became a cultural phenomenon.

The Wizard of Oz was re-released in theaters in 1949 and 1955 due to its continued popularity.

These re-releases allowed new audiences to experience the magic on the big screen.

Several references to the movie can be found in popular culture, including in the popular TV show Friends.

In one episode, the character Phoebe claims to have never seen The Wizard of Oz, leading her friends to organize a movie night.

The movie’s music was composed by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg.

Their collaboration resulted in some of the most beloved and enduring songs in cinematic history.

The green makeup used for the Wicked Witch of the West contained copper, which unfortunately caused severe skin reactions for actress Margaret Hamilton.

She had to apply a greenish tint to her skin for the role and had to take extra precautions to avoid irritation.

The Wizard of Oz was one of the first movies to use matte painting to create its fantastical sets.

Matte painting is a technique where a painting is used as a backdrop to create the illusion of a larger or more detailed environment.

The movie’s opening credits were hand-drawn and animated, a unique approach for the time.

This added to the whimsical and charming atmosphere of the film.

The concept of the ruby slippers having magical powers was created specifically for the movie.

In the book, Dorothy’s silver shoes did not possess any special abilities.

The tornado sound effect was created by recording a telephone pole being ripped out of the ground.

The sound designer wanted to capture the raw power and destructive force of a tornado.

The Wizard of Oz was one of the first movies to have its own merchandise tie-ins.

This included dolls, board games, and other toys featuring the film’s characters and iconic imagery.

The phrase “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” has become a well-known saying, symbolizing embarking on a journey or path.

In the movie, Glinda the Good Witch advises Dorothy to follow the road to find the Wizard.

The movie experienced a surge in popularity after it started airing annually on television in the 1950s.

This tradition continues to this day, with many families gathering each year to watch the film together.

The director, Victor Fleming, had to take over the production after the original director, Richard Thorpe, was fired.

Fleming had previously worked on the movie, but only as a second-unit director.

The Wizard of Oz was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1989.

This recognition highlights the film’s cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

The Munchkins were paid $50 per week for their work on the film.

While this may not seem like much, it was an acceptable wage at the time.

The Cowardly Lion’s costume weighed around 90 pounds due to the use of real lion pelts and heavy makeup.

Actor Bert Lahr had to endure the discomfort to bring his character to life.

The mechanical Man in the Wizard’s palace was inspired by the 8-foot-tall chess-playing automaton known as The Turk.

This historical device fascinated the filmmakers and served as the inspiration for a memorable character.

The Wizard of Oz has been referenced and parodied in numerous other movies, TV shows, and songs over the years.

Its influence on popular culture is far-reaching and enduring.

Over 124 minutes of the original film were cut for its initial release, but some of the deleted scenes have since been found and restored.

Most of the deleted footage consisted of extended musical numbers and character development scenes.

The movie’s transition from black and white to Technicolor was a deliberate storytelling device to contrast the dullness of Kansas with the vibrancy of Oz.

This was a groundbreaking technique at the time and greatly enhanced the visual impact of the film.

The role of the Tin Man was initially offered to Buddy Ebsen, but he had to drop out due to an allergic reaction to the aluminum powder makeup.

Jack Haley replaced him and gave a memorable performance as the lovable and rusty character.

The famous chant, “O-Ee-Yah! Eoh-Ah!” spoken by the Wicked Witch’s guards, was created by the film’s music arranger, Herbert Stothart.

The chant became synonymous with the ominous presence of the Witch’s henchmen.

The set for Munchkinland was built in a Culver City studio, and the houses were purposely made smaller to create the illusion of the munchkins being smaller in scale.

This forced the actors playing the Munchkins to squeeze through tiny doors and windows.

The film received a special Academy Award for its groundbreaking use of color in motion pictures.

This recognition solidified its place in film history and celebrated its technical achievements.

The Wizard of Oz has undoubtedly earned its place as one of the greatest movies of all time, captivating audiences with its enduring charm and timeless storytelling.

It continues to be loved and celebrated by people of all ages, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Conclusion

The Wizard of Oz is undoubtedly a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Its iconic characters, magical storyline, and memorable songs have made it a beloved film for people of all ages. With its groundbreaking use of Technicolor and innovative visual effects, The Wizard of Oz paved the way for future fantasy films. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire and entertain viewers around the world. Whether you’re a fan of Dorothy and her ruby slippers or the enchanting land of Oz itself, there’s no denying the impact and importance of this cinematic masterpiece.

FAQs

Q: Who directed The Wizard of Oz?

A: The Wizard of Oz was directed by Victor Fleming, although several other directors, including George Cukor and Richard Thorpe, worked on the film during different stages of production.

Q: When was The Wizard of Oz released?

A: The film was released on August 25, 1939.

Q: Did The Wizard of Oz win any awards?

A: Yes, The Wizard of Oz won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.

Q: Who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz?

A: Dorothy was played by the talented actress Judy Garland.

Q: Is The Wizard of Oz based on a book?

A: Yes, The Wizard of Oz is based on the novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” written by L. Frank Baum.

Q: What is the significance of the ruby slippers?

A: In the film, the ruby slippers are a powerful symbol of protection and magical ability. They are sought after by the Wicked Witch of the West and ultimately help Dorothy find her way back home.