Dorothy (Garland), a young farm girl from Kansas, and her dog, Toto, find themselves in another world after getting swept up in a twister. Her black and white world is transformed into the colorful and fantastic Land of Oz. There, she meets her companions the Scarecrow (Bolger), Tin Man (Haley), & The Lion (Lahr). Together they journey to find the Wizard of Oz (Morgan) in order to get their wishes granted, although they must be weary of the Wicked Witch of the West (Hamilton).
Copious Foreshadowing
The Wizard of Oz begins by introducing the real characters in Dorothy’s life that become the friends and foe in Oz. This foreshadowing is key in connecting the story’s message to the real world and priming the audience for the character’s reintroduction later. This foreshadowing establishes a deeper connection to the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Wicked Witch, and the Wizard. Something that is really important when the goal is to convey messaging to children.
Within the first fifteen minutes we can see how the farcical story to come is rooted in relatable and realistic emotions and situations. Dorothy is a young woman that appears to have lost her parents. She has been taken in by Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. The farm hands, Hunk, Zeke, and Hickory all watch out for Dorothy and are examples of trusted and caring companions in her life. Almira is an immoral and despicable character. Not only is she trying to “destroy” Toto, but she apparently owns most of the land in the area. She is the boot on the neck of everyone in that community. Finally, Professor Marvel, a traveling fortune teller, reveals himself to be fraud. Something that Dorothy is unable to detect. He successfully guides her to the realization that she must return home. A choice that she makes herself after thinking hard about what really matters to her. All of these characters lay the foundation of the story as well as the foundation for their forms in Oz.
Technicolor
The first technicolor film was not The Wizard of Oz. The technique dates back to the silent era with films like, The Gulf Between (1919) and The Toll of the Sea (1922) and in the sound era with Becky Sharp (1935). Although, The Wizard of Oz did an excellent job of using the relatively new technology as a part of the narrative.
Dorothy was transported from her drab, currently frightening, life, accented by the black and white backdrop, to the wonderful world of Oz. Her transition to a new dream-like world was accompanied by a physical transition into the world of color. A shot that was creatively crafted by using an acting double for Dorothy that wore a grayscale version of the costume and makeup for Dorothy.
Dorothy Entering Oz
Production Mishaps and Lore
Multiple Tin men
There were several mishaps throughout filming and other stories that eventually grew into lore over the years. One initial issue with the film was the makeup. The first Tin Man was Buddy Ebsen, he was hospitalized within the first two weeks of filming due to inhaling the aluminum dust being used as makeup on his face. He was replaced by Jack Haley and the makeup was altered to be a liquid topical application instead.
Even though Ebsen was forced out, and no film footage remains of his role, his voice still remains in the film. The audio for the group sung segments was done while Ebsen was still in the cast. So, Ebsen is the voice you hear as the troupe skips down the Yellow Brick Road signing “We’re Off to See The Wizard.”
Buddy Ebsen as Tin Man
Multiple Directors
The Wizard of Oz had four directors through production, Richard Thorpe, George Cukor, Victor Flemming, and King Vidor. The first was Richard Thorpe and only lasted 11 days. His stint on the project was cut short, supposedly, due to producer, Mervyn LeRoy, not liking the direction the film was taking as well as the hospitalization of initial Tin Man, Buddy Ebsen.
The second director was George Cukor, stepping in temporarily while a new director was being sought after. His time on the film was also short, about a week, however his contribution was significant. He adjusted the hair and makeup of the characters from the undesired look that LeRoy found off putting and transformed them into what has become the signature looks of the characters. The most important change being the look of Dorothy. Her character went from heavy makeup and a blonde wig to a more natural look. Cukor then shifted over to assist on another large project, Gone With the Wind.
Victor Flemming was the third director and only one to obtain screen credit. He took over after Cukor and kept the creative changes that Cukor had injected during his stint. Notably, Cukor’s recommendation to bring in Jack Haley as the new Tin Man. Production was reportedly long, expensive, and grueling for all involved.
The fourth director was King Vidor, who was not credited. He filmed the final few weeks of production that included the scenes set in Kansas. These would end up being the first fifteen minutes of the film as well as the last few minutes. It is surprising that Vidor did not get a credit given his footage remained in the film. It seems as though this was the way things were back then. Filmmakers would go in and out of projects on a regular basis.
Other Mishaps and Lore
Asbestos
One of the most notorious aspects of old films was the use of asbestos for fake snow. The cast of Wizard of Oz were a few of many to be exposed to the carcinogen. Not only that, the Wicked Witch’s broom was coated in asbestos to protect it when it was lit on fire as well as the Scarecrow’s entire costume.
Dorothy, Scarecrow, & Lion soaking in a shower of asbestos
Asbestos coated props during fire sequence
Hamilton on Fire
Asbestos covering the props is one thing, but having your hands and face catch on fire is much worse. That is what Margaret Hamilton had to deal with when her green, copper based, makeup caught on fire during her scene in Munchkinland.
Judy Garland’s Abuse
Judy Garland reported, later in life, that she experienced various forms of abuse while working on this film and while working for MGM in general. The abuse came in the form of sexual harassment and groping. Allegedly, by Louis B. Mayer himself. She also reported becoming addicted to uppers and downers at this time to meet shooting schedules. A tragedy that would follow her until her overdose in 1969 at the age of 47. The film Judy (2019), touches on these events as it dramatizes the later years of her life.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is based on the book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum. The book has a slightly different story line than the film. However, the main points are the same. Ultimately, the story is a moral tale for children. If you dig deep inside of yourself, you will find that you can conjure courage, a heart, or wisdom.
It is not surprising that the film has stood the test of time and remained a film people are familiar with 85 years later. The relatable story combined with the fantastical world and characters, makes the story perfect for a kid. The film version is able to bring that story to life and adds in the musical numbers. To a child, the story is dazzling and memorable and one that goes on to be shared generation after generation.
Directed by: Victor Flemming
Cinematography: Harold Rosson
Screenplay by: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, & Edgar Allan Woolf
Based on the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by: L. Frank Baum
Editing By: Blanche Sewell
Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, & Billie Burke.
Runtime: 1h 42m
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
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