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

Margaret Hamilton – The Wicked Witch Everyone Loves to Hate

Margaret Hamilton

Our blog post this month is in honor of Margaret Hamilton, the wonderfully Wicked Witch of the West, who was born on December 9, 1902. Mention The Wicked Witch to any fan of The Wizard of Oz and chances are they’ll either react with an imitation of the green-complexioned villainess’s evil cackle … Read more

Oz Around The World

Tin Woodman from The Wizard of Oz

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

From Scratch: The Amazing Sets of The Wizard of Oz

The Amazing Sets of The Wizard of Oz

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

A Regal Homage to the King of the Forest

The Wizard of Oz Lahr Garland Bolger Haley 1939

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

Happy Birthday to The Wizard of Oz!

Happy Birthday to The Wizard of Oz! – A Guest Blog Post by Jay Scarfone and William Stillman

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

There’s No Place Like Home!

Ruby Slippers

In honor of the current collaborative campaign among Warner Bros., The Wizard of Oz and Habitat for Humanity, we have chosen Dorothy’s famous declaration, “There’s no place like home!” as the theme of this month’s blog. When we think about our earliest memories of watching The Wizard of Oz for the first … Read more

25 Fun Facts About Judy Garland

25 Fun Facts About Judy Garland – A Guest Blog Post by Jay Scarfone and William Stillman

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