What Were the Flying Monkeys in the Wizard of Oz?

Illustration of Dorothy and the characters of the Emerald City on the background of a wonderful sky.

Flying monkeys, better known as winged monkeys, are fictional characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900).  These jungle monkeys with bird-like feathered wings are best known for MGM’s 1939 musical film. Since then, they’ve established their place in popular culture, frequently appearing as a source of evil or fear in ironic … Read more

Ultimate Guide to the Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz movie poster

The Wizard of Oz is a popular American musical fantasy film in 1939 that was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer or MGM. It is considered as one of the greatest films of all time, and as well as the most successful adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s fantasy novel that was published in 1900, “The … Read more

20 Facts About Oz’s Bewitching Billie Burke

20 Facts About Oz’s Bewitching Billie Burke

This month, we present some interesting information about actress-comedienne Billie Burke, who portrayed Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, in the classic film. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, in The Wizard of Oz serves as Dorothy’s benevolent protector against the threatening danger of the Wicked Witch of the West. … Read more

The Wizard of Oz and the Amazing Technicolor Process

The Wizard of Oz and the Amazing Technicolor Process

Of all of the wonderful elements that made The Wizard of Oz shine, one of the most memorable is its clever use of color. While the 1939 film was not the first to be shot in color, its bright production design and saturated palette made it stand out. So why did the … Read more

MythBusters: Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers

Ruby Slippers

This month we dispel one of the most common Wizard of Oz “myth” understandings. Myth: Dorothy keeps the Ruby Slippers. Many fans of The Wizard of Oz retain a false memory of how the film ends. It seems there are legions of people who remember that once Dorothy awakens back in Kansas and exclaims, … Read more

A Heart for the Tin Man

Tin Man

This month we honor the character of the Tin Man. In celebration of the month in which Valentine’s Day falls, we thought it would only be fitting if the February blog was dedicated to that character of divine paradox, the “heartless” yet tender Tin Man. In L. Frank Baum’s original story, The … Read more

The Wizard of Oz Collectibles

Collectibles with Jay Scarfone and William Stillman

This month we take a look back at the original Wizard of Oz merchandise. Those of us who love The Wizard of Oz are oftentimes Wizard of Oz collectors as well. Warner Bros. has engaged many licensed merchants to produce a wide range of quality Wizard of Oz items to appeal to all tastes. These … Read more

MythBustters: Common Myths About the Wizard of Oz

Tin Woodman

This month we are going to dispel a few of the most common Wizard of Oz “myth” understandings. Myth: A Munchkin hanged himself in the background of a scene in The Wizard of Oz.  This one refuses to go away but rest assured it is completely and utterly false. The scene in question … Read more

Fan Q&A: Part Two

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Fan’s questions have been answered in this post. Question: Theresa Grahmann Parma wondered why Dorothy carried a basket for the whole movie. Answer: In L. Frank Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), Dorothy packs a basket of provisions for herself and Toto before setting out on her long journey to … Read more