The Wizard of Oz

About The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American musical fantasy film, directed by Victor Fleming. The film revolves around Dorothy Gale, a young farm girl from Kansas who is swept away by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz, and her adventures to meet the titular character, who she believes can help her return home.

Making / Production

The Wizard of Oz was notably challenging to make, with numerous director and cast changes during production. The technicolor sequences were also particularly difficult to shoot and required an extensive amount of lighting, which made the set extremely hot for the actors.

Actors

• Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale - She utilizes her singing ability to enhance her innocent yet determined character.
• Ray Bolger as Scarecrow - Bolger delivers a touching performance, capturing the vulnerability and longing of a man made of straw.
• Jack Haley as Tin Man - His endearing and humble portrayal of Tin Man adds a depth to his metal-clad character.
• Bert Lahr as Cowardly Lion - Lahr brings humor and warmth to the Lion, who seeks courage above all else.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Judy Garland had to wear a painful corset-style device to give her the appearance of a younger girl.
• The snow in the poppy scene was created from industrial-grade asbestos.
• Toto the dog was paid more than the actors playing the Munchkins.

Awards

The Wizard of Oz won two Academy Awards: Best Original Song for "Over the Rainbow" and Best Original Score by Herbert Stothart.

Quotes

• "There's no place like home."
• "I'm melting! Melting! Oh, what a world! What a world!"
• "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!"

Music, Soundtrack

• "Over the Rainbow", performed by Judy Garland
• "We're Off to See the Wizard", performed by Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr
• "If I Only Had a Brain", performed by Ray Bolger and Judy Garland