Made 80 years ago in that magical year of 1939, the making of the classic THE WIZARD OF OZ would make a fascinating mini-series.
Casting possibilities included Fannie Brice and Edna May Oliver as the witches; Ed Wynn and W.C.Fields was considered as the Wizard.
Not just Shirley Temple, but Deanna Durban was considered for the part of Dorothy.
Judy Garland, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger.
Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion.
”Put ‘em up, out ‘em up! Which one of you first!”
”I could show you my prowess,
Be a lion not a mowess….”
”Read what my medal says, ‘Courage’ – ain’t it the truth!”
Tagline: “the biggest screen sensation to Snow White….Amazing sights to see!………trees that talk and throw apples!”
Director Victor Fleming.
Vixtor Fleming was released from his directing duties in order to work on “Gone With The Wind.”
The haunted forest has a sign: “Haunted Forest. Witch’s castle,one mile. I’d turn back if I were you.”
Of the many songs by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the film, “The Jitterbug” was cut, but some film footage exists because Harold Arlen took some home movies of the song being filmed.
It’s a great little number referenced by the wicked witch when she sends her winged monkeys to capture Dorothy, saying “I’ve sent a little insect ahead to take the fight out of ‘em!”
Margaret Hamilton as the wicked witch of the west.
”I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too.”
Great special effects where the wicked witch , on her broomstick, sky-writes a message to Dorothy. The original message said, “Surrender Dorothy or die – WWW”
And this famous phrase wasn’t in the Baum book.
Billie Burke as the Glinda, the good witch of the North.
The magical world of Oz, Emerald City.
Wonderful special effects including the cyclone.
The splendid 3-strip Technicolor for the fantasy scenes was an amazing contrast to the black and white scenes in Kansas.
Rare picture of Buddy Ebsen (before he was replaced due to a severe reaction to makeup ), Bert Lahr and Ray Bolger.
Judy on the set.
Which hair-do!
A ticket to the premiere at Grauman’s Chinese.
Loew’s Capitol, New York.
Amazingly, Judy and Mickey performed after each screening for two weeks in August 1939.
Bert Lahr and Ray Bolger joined Judy in the third week.
Bert Lahr, Judy, Ray Bolger.
Wonder if they did only Oz songs.
Yellow Brick Road in Cross Roads, Texas.
A re-issue with a picture of Judy from “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
Another reissue with a photo of Judy, not from the film.
Dorothy to the Scarecrow before she returns to Kansas,
“I think I’m going to miss you most of all.”
Vienna's Classic Hollywood
Lots of interesting facts
This film has quite a history.
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80 years and we’re still fascinating. I imagine the folks 80 years from now will continue the obsession.
Wouldn’t that be marvellous!
This is a great post! Thanks for all the factoids and for joining the blogathon. 🙂
Indeed, the behind-the-scenes from this film could originate a great film or documentary. I loved the ticket for the premiere, I wonder what that person thought of the spectacle.
Cheers!
Yes, so much happened to get this classic made.
Wish we knew who that ticket belonged to.
Hi Vienna, I enjoyed your photo filled tribute to this wonderful film. Just the other day I was saying how there should be a movie made about the making of it. I loved seeing the ticket to the premiere and especially the Technicolor aspect advertised in the colors of the rainbow!
Thanks for stopping by.