Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American musical fantasy film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film stars Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton. Based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the story follows a young Kansas farm girl named Dorothy who is transported to the magical Land of Oz.
The Story Unfolds
Dorothy’s Life in Kansas
The film begins in sepia tones, depicting Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) living on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em (Clara Blandick) and Uncle Henry (Charley Grapewin). Dorothy dreams of escaping her mundane life and sings “Over the Rainbow,” expressing her longing for a place where “troubles melt like lemon drops.”
The Tornado and Arrival in Oz
A tornado strikes the farm, and Dorothy, along with her dog Toto, is swept away to the Land of Oz. The film transitions to vibrant Technicolor as Dorothy’s house lands in Munchkinland, crushing the Wicked Witch of the East. The Munchkins celebrate Dorothy’s arrival and the witch’s death, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (Billie Burke), gives Dorothy the deceased witch’s ruby slippers.
The Climax and Resolution
The Journey to the Emerald City
Glinda advises Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to seek the help of the Wizard of Oz (Frank Morgan) to return home. Along the way, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), who desires a brain; the Tin Man (Jack Haley), who wishes for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), who seeks courage. They face various challenges, including the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), who wants the ruby slippers.
The Wizard and the Witch
Upon reaching the Emerald City, the Wizard agrees to help them if they bring him the Wicked Witch’s broomstick. The group ventures to the witch’s castle, where Dorothy is captured. Her friends rescue her, and in the ensuing struggle, Dorothy accidentally melts the Wicked Witch by splashing her with water.
The Conclusion
Revelation and Return Home
The group returns to the Emerald City with the broomstick, only to discover that the Wizard is a charlatan, using tricks to appear powerful. Despite this, he fulfills their requests symbolically: the Scarecrow receives a diploma, the Tin Man a heart-shaped clock, and the Lion a medal. The Wizard prepares to take Dorothy home in a hot air balloon but leaves without her by accident. Glinda reappears and tells Dorothy that she can return home by clicking her heels together three times and saying, “There’s no place like home.”
Dorothy’s Wake-Up
Dorothy wakes up in her bed in Kansas, surrounded by her family and friends, realizing that her adventure was just a dream. She expresses her newfound appreciation for home and her loved ones.
Movie Ending
The Wizard of Oz ends with Dorothy waking up in Kansas, having learned that home is where the heart is. The film concludes with her famous line, “There’s no place like home.”
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Wizard of Oz.
Type of Movie
The Wizard of Oz is a musical fantasy film that combines elements of adventure, drama, and family genres, focusing on themes of home, courage, and friendship.
Cast
- Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale
- Frank Morgan as Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz
- Ray Bolger as Hunk / The Scarecrow
- Jack Haley as Hickory / The Tin Man
- Bert Lahr as Zeke / The Cowardly Lion
- Billie Burke as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North
- Margaret Hamilton as Miss Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West
Film Music and Composer
The film’s iconic score was composed by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. The song “Over the Rainbow,” sung by Judy Garland, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Filming Locations
The Wizard of Oz was primarily filmed at the MGM Studios in Culver City, California. Some notable locations include:
- MGM’s soundstages: For the elaborate sets of Munchkinland, the Yellow Brick Road, and the Emerald City.
Awards and Nominations
The Wizard of Oz received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Original Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography (Color), and Best Special Effects.
- Golden Globe Awards: Judy Garland won a Special Award for Best Juvenile Performer.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film faced numerous production challenges, including casting changes and on-set accidents.
- Buddy Ebsen, originally cast as the Tin Man, had to be replaced by Jack Haley after suffering a severe allergic reaction to the aluminum powder makeup.
- Margaret Hamilton suffered burns during the filming of her exit from Munchkinland, which involved a trapdoor and pyrotechnics.
Inspirations and References
The Wizard of Oz is based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The film reflects broader themes of self-discovery, the importance of home, and the value of friendship.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of The Wizard of Oz closely follows the original script, with some deleted scenes and additional content available in special editions and DVD releases.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Dorothy’s arrival in Munchkinland and the Munchkins’ celebration.
- The Scarecrow’s dance after being freed from his pole.
- The Tin Man’s song “If I Only Had a Heart.”
- The Lion’s introduction and his song “If I Only Had the Nerve.”
- Dorothy and her friends’ journey through the haunted forest and the poppy field.
- The climactic confrontation with the Wicked Witch of the West.
Iconic Quotes
- “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” – Dorothy
- “There’s no place like home.” – Dorothy
- “I’m melting! Melting!” – Wicked Witch of the West
- “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!” – The Wizard
- “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” – Glinda
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes several subtle references to Baum’s book, such as the names of minor characters and specific lines of dialogue.
- The transition from sepia to Technicolor when Dorothy arrives in Oz was groundbreaking for its time and remains a cinematic milestone.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $2.8 million, and it grossed over $3 million during its initial release, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its time.
- Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy became iconic, earning her a special juvenile Academy Award.
- The film was re-released multiple times, solidifying its status as a classic and introducing it to new generations.
Why Watch?
The Wizard of Oz offers a timeless and enchanting tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery, featuring standout performances, particularly by Judy Garland, and masterful direction by Victor Fleming. Its blend of memorable music, innovative special effects, and heartwarming story makes it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and family films.
Director’s Other Movies
Victor Fleming also directed:
- Gone with the Wind (1939)
- Captains Courageous (1937)
- Red Dust (1932)
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
- A Guy Named Joe (1943)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Mary Poppins (1964)
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
- The Sound of Music (1965)
- Alice in Wonderland (1951)
