The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz (1939) is one of the most iconic films in cinema history, blending fantasy, musical spectacle, and timeless storytelling. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s beloved novel, the movie has charmed generations with its mix of Technicolor wonder, unforgettable characters, and legendary songs. Below is a detailed guide that explores every aspect of this classic.

Detailed Summary

Kansas: The Black-and-White Beginning

The story begins in sepia-toned Kansas, where Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) dreams of escaping her dreary farm life. After her dog Toto bites the nasty neighbor Miss Gulch, Dorothy runs away from home. On her journey, she encounters Professor Marvel, who convinces her to return to her family.

The Tornado Strikes

A violent tornado hits Kansas before Dorothy can return to the storm shelter. Knocked unconscious in her house, she awakens to find herself transported to the colorful and fantastical land of Oz. This shift from sepia to Technicolor is one of cinema’s most magical moments.

Arrival in Munchkinland

Dorothy’s house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her instantly and freeing the Munchkins from her tyranny. Glinda the Good Witch arrives, giving Dorothy the ruby slippers (transferred from the deceased witch’s feet). The Wicked Witch of the West appears, furious, and vows revenge. Dorothy is told to follow the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard of Oz, who can help her return home.

Meeting New Friends

On her journey, Dorothy befriends three iconic characters:

• The Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), who wants a brain.
• The Tin Man (Jack Haley), who longs for a heart.
• The Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), who seeks courage.

Together, they set off toward the Emerald City, singing and supporting one another against obstacles.

Confronting the Wicked Witch

The Witch tries repeatedly to stop the group, using fireballs, flying monkeys, and sinister magic. Eventually, Dorothy and her friends reach the Emerald City and meet the Wizard, who appears as a terrifying floating head. He agrees to help, but only if they kill the Wicked Witch of the West.

The Witch’s Castle

Dorothy is captured by the Witch’s flying monkeys and imprisoned in her castle. The Witch attempts to take the ruby slippers, but fails because they are magically protected. Just as all hope seems lost, Dorothy accidentally splashes water on the Witch, causing her to melt. The minions rejoice at their freedom. Dorothy and her friends return to the Wizard with proof of their victory.

Movie Ending

Back at the Emerald City, the Wizard is revealed to be a mere man—an ordinary balloonist from Kansas who uses smoke, mirrors, and machinery to appear magical. Though initially disappointing, he gives each of Dorothy’s friends symbolic items that reflect what they already had within them:

• The Scarecrow receives a diploma, affirming his intelligence.
• The Tin Man is given a heart-shaped clock, symbolizing his capacity for love.
• The Lion receives a medal of courage, validating his bravery.

Dorothy learns that the ruby slippers can take her home at any time. Glinda explains that she had the power all along but needed to discover it for herself. Dorothy clicks her heels together three times and repeats: “There’s no place like home.”

She wakes up in her Kansas bed, surrounded by her family and farmhands, realizing it was all a dream—or was it? Dorothy concludes with the heartfelt line: “There’s no place like home.”

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. The Wizard of Oz (1939) was made long before the era of post-credits teasers. Once the credits roll, the film is complete with no extra footage.

Type of Movie

This is a fantasy musical adventure with strong elements of coming-of-age storytelling. It’s both a children’s film and a deep allegorical tale with themes of identity, courage, and home.

Cast

• Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale
• Ray Bolger as The Scarecrow / Hunk
• Jack Haley as The Tin Man / Hickory
• Bert Lahr as The Cowardly Lion / Zeke
• Margaret Hamilton as The Wicked Witch of the West / Miss Gulch
• Billie Burke as Glinda the Good Witch
• Frank Morgan as The Wizard of Oz / Professor Marvel
• Clara Blandick as Aunt Em
• Charley Grapewin as Uncle Henry

Film Music and Composer

The unforgettable score was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. The standout song, “Over the Rainbow”, sung by Judy Garland, became one of the most iconic songs in cinema history. The music blends showtune-style numbers with emotionally resonant ballads, elevating the fantasy narrative.

Filming Locations

The film was shot entirely on studio sets at MGM Studios in Culver City, California. The controlled environment allowed for the creation of elaborate Technicolor sets like Munchkinland and the Emerald City. The artificial backdrops became legendary in film history, representing Hollywood’s golden age of studio filmmaking.

Awards and Nominations

• Won 2 Academy Awards: Best Original Song (Over the Rainbow) and Best Original Score.
• Nominated for Best Picture but lost to Gone with the Wind.
• Judy Garland received a Juvenile Academy Award for her outstanding performance.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Margaret Hamilton (the Witch) suffered severe burns during the fiery exit scene in Munchkinland.
• The Tin Man was originally played by Buddy Ebsen, but he was hospitalized due to aluminum makeup poisoning, leading to Jack Haley’s casting.
• The production used dangerous methods: asbestos snow fell on Dorothy during the poppy field scene.
• The Cowardly Lion’s costume was made of real lion pelts and weighed nearly 90 pounds.
• Judy Garland was forced onto a strict diet of soup and coffee to maintain her young appearance.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on L. Frank Baum’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). Baum’s book was itself influenced by American culture, populist politics, and fairy tales of the late 19th century. The film adapts and condenses the story, creating its own iconic moments.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• A deleted reprise of “Over the Rainbow” (sung in the Witch’s castle) was cut for pacing.
• A “Jitterbug” dance sequence was filmed but removed, considered too modern for Oz’s magical setting.
• Some darker sequences involving the Witch’s minions were also cut.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• In Baum’s book, Dorothy’s slippers are silver, not ruby. They were changed to ruby in the film to show off Technicolor.
• The book emphasizes more fantasy creatures and longer journeys, while the movie streamlines the story.
• The Wizard gives real magical gifts in the book, whereas in the film he offers symbolic tokens.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Dorothy singing “Over the Rainbow” in Kansas.
• The transition from sepia to Technicolor upon arriving in Oz.
• The introduction of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion.
• The melting of the Wicked Witch of the West.
• Dorothy waking up in Kansas, realizing the lesson of “home.”

Iconic Quotes

• “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
• “There’s no place like home.”
• “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!”
• “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The horse in Emerald City changes colors, achieved with Jell-O powder rubbed on its coat.
• Dorothy’s final speech mirrors Judy Garland’s own longing for stability in Hollywood.
• The “Over the Rainbow” song was almost cut for being “too slow.”

Trivia

• The film initially was not a box-office hit but gained popularity through TV broadcasts in the 1950s.
• Judy Garland’s blue gingham dress sold at auction for over $1 million decades later.
• Several actors playing Munchkins later claimed their low pay was exploitative, compared to the film’s massive success.

Why Watch?

Because The Wizard of Oz is the ultimate blend of music, fantasy, and timeless moral lessons. Its influence on pop culture is immeasurable, its visuals are groundbreaking for its time, and its themes of courage, friendship, and home remain universally resonant.

Director’s Other Movies

• 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

• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
• Mary Poppins (1964)
• Alice in Wonderland (1951)
• Into the Woods (2014)
• The Sound of Music (1965)