1939 Credited to Victor Fleming

Lyman Frank Baum In 1900, L. Frank Baum published the exceptionally popular children’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Over the next 20 years, Baum created 14 books set in Oz From the time the first book was published until 1939, 6 screen adaptations set in Baum’s Oz were created ranging from shorts, animated films, silent films, and talkies.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM Films) Filming commenced in October of During the course of filming the movie, five directors came and went, all contributing something to the film. Despite this fact, Victor Fleming is credited with directing the entire film. Norman Taurog (only filmed the screen tests) Richard Thorpe – replaced after filming was halted 2 weeks in – was thought to be rushing the filming George Cukor – temporarily took over (had prior commitment to Gone With the Wind) – shots were replaced because they made Dorothy look too baby-like Victor Fleming – filmed the majority of the film, but went to film Gone With the Wind after George Cukor was fired King Vidor – in charge of finishing the film (mostly the sepia scenes at the beginning and end of the film)

Actors – and their problems Dorothy – Judy Garland – Judy was 16 when she was contracted to play Dorothy. Her competition was Shirley Temple, who ultimately wasn’t able to take the part because 20 th Century Fox would not release her. The Tin Man – Jack Haley – Jack was the second person to play the Tin Man. Buddy Ebsen was hospitalized due to an adverse reaction to the paint used to create the Tin Man costume. (Jack Haley also had a chronic eye infection from the make up)

Actors - Continued The Wicked Witch – Margaret Hamilton – Gale Sondergaard was originally cast, but quit whenever she found out the witch would be changed from sly and glamorous to an ugly hag.

Actors - Continued Bert Lahr – The Cowardly Lion – His costume weighed upwards of 40 pounds and raised his body temperature to near dangerous levels.

Deviations from the Books The Good Witches of the North and South are combined into the character of Glinda. To take advantage of the Technicolor process, Dorothy’s silver shoes were replaced by ruby slippers. The Wicked Witch of the West’s role is expanded (she is only present in one chapter of the book) In the film, Dorothy is the “damsel in distress”, but in the book, she saves her friends several times. The film depicts Oz as a dream world, whereas the book treat Oz as if it were a real place where Dorothy returns in later stories.

Production Scenes revolving around Kansas are filmed in sepia, whereas all Oz scenes are filmed in Technicolor. They are sometimes seen within seconds of one another, providing even more contrast between the two worlds. Used “stencil printing” when switching to far away backgrounds – this was also used in Gone With the Wind

Release At its theatrical release, The Wizard of Oz grossed only $3 million. It was not until years later, with the emergence of television showings and re-releases, did the movie actually become a true success. Although it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, it would not win: It was up against Gone With the Wind

Legacy Since its release in 1939, The Wizard of Oz has become a favorite among many, young and old. It has continued to be shown every year on television just before Thanksgiving. It has been re-interpreted several times, perhaps none more famous than Gregory Maguire’s book, now a famous Broadway play: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Has also been identified as a source of inspiration for LGBT fans all over the world because of its central themes.