By now, the characters in The Wizard of Oz and the actors who played them are iconic. What you might not know is many people came close to working on the film, including actors and other filmmakers. Here’s why the film you know was almost very different. The example that most people … Read more
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
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
Fans were invited on the film’s official Facebook page to submit questions about The Wizard of Oz. Here are some of the questions and answers. There were so many questions posed by fans of The Wizard of Oz. Much of what folks were asking was fresh and original, and overall the questions … Read more
In 1938, Frank Morgan was one of Hollywood’s “featured players,” that is, an actor who was not a major star in terms of box office draw and revenue, but was a reliable and competent performer who was an audience favorite. Morgan was born Francis Phillip Wuppermann on June 1, 1890, in New … Read more
It’s no secret that The Wizard of Oz has been an American Treasure, certainly one of the most loved and respected films Hollywood has ever produced. While it’s natural to think of the film and its impact in the US, it’s remarkable also to contemplate the effects The Wizard of Oz has … Read more
Back in the day, MGM was a studio among studios, known for its expansive acreage, a multitude of soundstages, and an impressive stable of Hollywood stars, which included Clark Gable, Mickey Rooney, Jean Harlow, Spencer Tracy and, of course, Judy Garland. MGM had its own train station, park and zoo, and plenty … Read more
The Wizard of Oz is considered one of the most perfectly cast movies ever made. Despite initial cries of opposition from fans and the press, Judy Garland was young Dorothy Gale. Ray Bolger and Jack Haley embodied those two loveable clowns, the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman—characters that were endeared to theatergoers from … Read more
By September 1939, The Wizard of Oz had premiered on both coasts and was playing in first-run theatres across the country. Getting to the point of debuting one of the most highly anticipated films of the year was a long and arduous process that has been recounted in many documentaries and books, … Read more
In 1939, Judy Garland charmed moviegoers with her portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, earning her a spot in our collective hearts for all time. In honor of her birth month, here are 25 tidbits about Judy that may surprise and entertain you. Her birthday is on June 10. Prior … Read more