Most would agree that the world’s most famous witch is the Wicked Witch of the West played by Margaret Hamilton in the movie. But Hamilton didn’t launch her acting career as the Wicked Witch of the West. Seven years before she was offered the role that would forever define her powerful public … Read more
Everyone who’s ever heard Judy Garland sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow never forgets it. The song is so special it’s ranked number one on the Songs of the Century list compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. The American Film Institute (AFI) also named … Read more
You absolutely love The Wizard of Oz. When you see products with characters or symbols from the movie on them your heart goes pitter, patter. Well, be still your foolish heart, because here are some gift ideas that are perfect for all you big fans of The Wizard of Oz. Let’s begin … Read more
As eventful as the opening of The Wizard of Oz was in 1939, it was far from the only occurrence of importance that year. Here are just some of the other things that happened: On January 6, the daily newspaper comic strip featuring the man of steel — Superman – debuts. On … Read more
In 1939 special effects in movies were, well, not that special. Then, along came The Wizard of Oz. Needless to say, audiences were not only stirred by the terrific story, but they also were dazzled by the film’s special effects. All of the Oz sequences in The Wizard of Oz were filmed … Read more
The Wizard of Oz was and still is a wonder to behold. Great story, effects, costumes, sets, and actors. Everyone adores the singular sensation, Judy Garland, in her lead role as Dorothy. But how many filmgoers remember that a number of the actors in The Wizard of Oz played more than one … Read more
It was just a matter of time when these two icons of icons would meet face-to-face. Why not, Mr. Potato Head has been around since the toy was invented and developed by George Lerner in 1949. Mr. Potato Head’s fame grew larger when it became the first toy ever to be advertised … Read more
There were a number of scary characters and moments in The Wizard of Oz. But none more frightening, especially for young audiences, than the flying monkeys. They drop from the sky to swoop down and snatch their terrified prey. For what evil purpose? To deliver Dorothy to the scariest character in the … Read more
The Wizard of Oz is chock-full of good, no make that, great characters. First and foremost, there is Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. Then, there is the Great and Powerful Oz and the Munchkins. And who can forget Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, and the farmhands, Hunk, Zeke, … Read more
Last week there were but four surviving members from the original cast portraying the lovable Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz. With the passing of Karl Slover, there are only three. Mr. Slover, who played the first of a trumpeting trio who herald the Munchkin mayor as he makes his entrance at … Read more
Looking for the perfect gift? Well, if you or a loved one are a fan of The Wizard of Oz (and who isn’t?), we’ve got just the thing. Wizard of Oz Scanimation: 10 Classic Scenes from Over the Rainbow is a terrific collection of memorable scenes from the movie, brought to life … Read more
If you were around in the late 1930s you could have seen The Wizard of Oz when it premiered in 1939. Interestingly, it didn’t premiere in Hollywood or New York City, but at the Strand Theatre in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on August 12, 1939. If you didn’t get to see it during its … Read more