50 Facts About Wizard Of Oz

The Wizard of Oz: A Timeless Classic

The Wizard of Oz, produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1939, has enchanted audiences for generations. Based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this film has become a cornerstone of American pop culture. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic movie.

1. Release Date and Anniversary: The Wizard of Oz was released in August 1939. This year marks its 85th anniversary. Despite its legendary status today, it barely broke even at the box office, overshadowed by Gone With The Wind.

2. Production Team: Mervyn LeRoy produced the film, with Victor Fleming directing. The screenplay was crafted by Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf.

3. Cast: Judy Garland starred as Dorothy Gale, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, and Billie Burke as Glinda the Good Witch.

Behind the Scenes: Innovations and Challenges

Creating The Wizard of Oz involved groundbreaking techniques and overcoming numerous challenges. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts that highlight the film's innovative spirit.

4. Dorothy’s Final Look: Dorothy's iconic red slippers were originally silver in the novel. The production team changed them to ruby red to showcase Technicolor's vibrant hues.

5. Innovations with Technicolor: The transition from black-and-white Kansas to colorful Oz was made possible by Technicolor. However, the bright lights needed for this process often heated the set to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Makeup and Costume Woes: Makeup artist Jack Dawn used foam latex for the Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow masks, a groundbreaking technique. The heavy costumes added to the actors' discomfort.

7. The Twister Scene: The famous twister was created using thirty-five feet of muslin cloth and Fuller’s earth, showcasing impressive practical effects before CGI existed.

8. Colored Horses: Jell-O powder was used to color the white horses purple, red, and yellow, as post-production effects were not available.

Memorable Moments and Iconic Scenes

The Wizard of Oz is filled with unforgettable scenes and moments that have left a lasting impact on viewers. Here are some intriguing details about these iconic scenes.

9. Asbestos in the Film: Asbestos was used for fake snow in the poppy field scene and for part of the Wicked Witch’s burning broomstick, a common practice before the health risks were known.

10. The Wicked Witch’s Death: The Wicked Witch’s death certificate is dated May 6, 1938, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of L. Frank Baum’s death.

11. Reference to the Book: The Good Witch’s kiss on Dorothy’s forehead is a nod to the book, where it is said, "none dare harm someone who bears the kiss of the Good Witch."

12. Origin of the Word “Munchkin”: The word “Munchkin” may have German origins, possibly referencing Baum’s German descent.

13. Dorothy’s Name: Dorothy was named after Baum’s niece, Dorothy Louise Gage, who died in infancy in 1898.

The Cast and Their Stories

The actors who brought the characters to life have their own fascinating stories and experiences from the set. Here are some interesting facts about the cast.

14. Baum’s Predictions: Baum predicted future inventions in his books, like a wireless telephone in Ozma of Oz, predating modern cell phones by a century.

15. The Book Contains a Slick Sales Pitch: Baum’s experience as a salesman likely influenced his engaging writing style.

16. Discrepancies Between Book and Film: The film deviates from the book, portraying Oz as a dreamscape rather than a real place.

17. The Munchkins: The Munchkins were played by the Singer Midgets troupe, many of whom used the film opportunity to escape the Nazis. Their voices were dubbed except for two actors.

18. The Wicked Witch’s Scenes: Many of the Wicked Witch’s scenes were trimmed or deleted for being too frightening for children.

19. The Famous Line: The Wicked Witch’s line "Fly, my pretties, fly!" is often misquoted. She actually says, "Fly, Fly, Fly!"

Musical Magic and Awards

The Wizard of Oz is also celebrated for its music and the accolades it received. Here are some facts about the film's musical elements and awards.

20. Over the Rainbow: The song "Over the Rainbow" was almost cut from the film but went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

21. Record-Breaking Munchkins: The Coroner of Munchkinland actor was the shortest licensed pilot during World War II. The Munchkins share one star on the Walk of Fame.

22. Garland’s Award: Judy Garland won an Oscar Juvenile Award for her role, which she later called the Munchkin Award.

23. Conspiracy Theory: A dark shadow in one shot with the Munchkins sparked a conspiracy theory about a hanging, but it was debunked as a bird in the background.

24. Original Flop: The Wizard of Oz was initially a flop, barely making back its $2.8 million budget during The Great Depression.

25. Oscar Wins: The film won two Oscars: Best Original Score and Best Original Song, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Interesting Tidbits and Trivia

The Wizard of Oz is filled with interesting tidbits and trivia that add to its charm. Here are some lesser-known facts about the film.

26. Studio Bidding War: MGM outbid 20th Century Fox for the movie rights. Fox wanted Shirley Temple to star, but Judy Garland ultimately took on the role of Dorothy.

27. Mervyn LeRoy’s Considerations: Mervyn LeRoy considered having a man play Toto but decided on a dog for the role.

28. Cowardly Lion’s Costume: The Cowardly Lion’s costume was made of real lion skin, adding to the character’s realism.

29. Snow in Poppy Scene: The snow in the poppy field scene was made of asbestos, a common practice at the time.

30. Tin Man’s Oil: The Tin Man’s oil was actually chocolate syrup, adding a touch of humor to the character.

31. Judy Garland’s Corset: Judy Garland wore a tight corset to make her figure seem younger, adding to her role's discomfort.

32. Liza Minnelli’s Connection: Judy Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, was married to Jack Haley Jr., the son of the actor who played the Tin Man.

33. L. Frank Baum’s Background: Baum published 17 sequels to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, three posthumously. Before his success, he bred fancy chickens.

34. Baum’s Inspiration: Baum’s difficult childhood during a drought in South Dakota likely influenced his portrayal of Kansas's harsh conditions.

35. Baum’s Support for Women’s Suffrage: Baum strongly supported women’s suffrage, reflecting the progressive values of his time.

36. MGM’s Payment: MGM paid $75,000 for the film rights to Baum’s book, a significant amount at the time.

37. Uniforms for Monkeys and Guards: The Flying Monkeys and the Witch’s castle guards wore the same uniforms, adding to the film’s cohesive look.

38. Judy Garland’s Hair Changes: Judy Garland’s hair changes length throughout the film, reflecting her journey from Kansas to Oz.

39. Ogden Nash’s Unused Screenplay: Humorist Ogden Nash wrote a screenplay for the film that was never used, offering an interesting alternative take.

40. Smithsonian Exhibit: The Smithsonian exhibit housing Dorothy’s red slippers is so popular that the carpet in front of them has been replaced numerous times due to wear.

41. Judy Garland’s Affection for Toto: Judy Garland fell in love with Terry, the dog who played Toto, and wanted to adopt her, but Terry’s owner wouldn’t give her up.

42. Professor Marvel’s Photo: Professor Marvel, the fortune teller Dorothy visits, never gives back the photo of Aunt Em that she hands him.

43. Yellow Brick Road: The yellow brick road originally appeared green in Technicolor, so it had to be repainted.

44. Uncle Henry’s Background: Charley Grapewin, who played Uncle Henry, began his career as a circus trapeze artist and also appeared as Grandpa Joad in The Grapes of Wrath.

45. Disney’s Interest: Disney wanted to make The Wizard of Oz, but MGM owned the rights, preventing Disney from adapting the story.

46. Winged Monkeys’ Injuries: Several actors playing Winged Monkeys were injured when wires suspending them snapped, causing them to fall.

47. Glinda’s Gown: Glinda’s gown was recycled from the 1936 movie San Francisco, showcasing the film’s resourcefulness.

48. Baum’s Inspiration from Drought: Baum’s difficult childhood during a drought in South Dakota likely influenced his portrayal of Kansas's harsh conditions.

49. MGM’s Payment for Rights: MGM paid $75,000 for the film rights to Baum’s book, a significant amount at the time.

50. Legacy and Impact: The Wizard of Oz has become an integral part of American pop culture, with themes of perseverance and imagination continuing to captivate audiences.

The Timeless Magic of The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz isn't just a movie; it's a cultural phenomenon that has enchanted audiences for generations. From its groundbreaking use of Technicolor to Judy Garland's unforgettable performance as Dorothy, this film set new standards in cinema. The behind-the-scenes stories, like the use of asbestos for snow and the challenges of filming in Technicolor, add layers of intrigue. Despite its initial flop, the film's legacy has only grown, winning Oscars and becoming a staple in American pop culture. The innovative special effects, memorable characters, and timeless songs like "Over the Rainbow" continue to captivate new audiences. The Wizard of Oz remains a testament to the power of storytelling and imagination, proving that sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination. Its impact is undeniable, making it a beloved classic that will never fade away.