Denied by Greats: Why Notable Actors Turned Down Roles in 'The Wizard of Oz'

The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz is renowned for its incredible cast, captivating story, and timeless performance by Judy Garland. However, it is not widely known that many notable actors had to turn down roles due to various reasons. This article delves into why these famous figures declined the opportunity to join the legendary film.

The Rejection of Bette Davis

Bette Davis, a major player in Hollywood in the 1930s, was once considered for the role of Dorothy. However, Davis turned down the offer. Her reasoning was rooted in her professional ambitions. She described the story as too juvenile and not suitable for her talents. Davis often sought roles that would challenge her and enhance her reputation as a serious actress, leading her to believe that Dorothy’s part did not align with her career trajectory.

Why Ginger Rogers Said No

Ginger Rogers, the quintessential American dance performer and actress, was also offered the role of Dorothy. However, Rogers declined the offer. She felt that the character was too youthful for her at the time, and the film’s concept did not align with her public image. Rogers was well-known for her glamorous and sophisticated roles, and the idea of playing Dorothy, a young girl, did not resonate with her ideal audience. Rogers prioritized maintaining her image as a glamorous dancer and actress rather than taking on a child role.

Shirley Temple’s Contractual and Career Constraints

Shirley Temple, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars at the time, was considered for the role of Dorothy. Despite her immense popularity, she was under contract with 20th Century Fox, which would not allow her to appear in an MGM production. Additionally, her parents were apprehensive about the role, believing it might be detrimental to her career. They felt that appearing as a young girl in The Wizard of Oz could potentially overshadow her more established character roles, which had already made her a household name.

Deanna Durbin’s Career Trajectory

Deanna Durbin, the talented singer and actress, was approached to play Dorothy. However, she declined the role, finding it unsuitable for her career. Durbin aspired to mature roles and a different type of persona. She was interested in playing roles that would help her grow as an actress and broaden her range, and a child role did not fit her career goals.

Joan Crawford’s Interests and Rejections

Joan Crawford, a prominent actress, was not officially offered the role of the Wicked Witch of the West. However, she expressed interest in it. Crawford was known for her complex and dramatic roles, and the Wicked Witch seemed like a potential fit for her. Yet, she ultimately did not pursue the role, possibly due to the intensity required for such a part or other commitments in her professional life.

The Case of W.C. Fields: A Larger Role

One of the most famous turn-downs was W.C. Fields. Originally, he was intended to play the role of the Wizard. However, Fields had just signed a contract with Universal that gave him more control over his comedies, limiting his availability for film roles. There were rumors that he turned down the role because it was too small, but the truth is more nuanced. MGM was in a state of uncertainty over which star would portray the title role. They considered other actors like Ed Wynn and Wallace Beery. Nevertheless, Frank Morgan stepped in, realizing the importance of the film and volunteering for the part.

The role of the Wizard was expanded to include other crucial elements, such as Professor Marvel, the Gatekeeper at the Emerald City, the Cabman with a horse of a different color, the Guard at the Wizard’s Palace, and even the giant floating head above the Wizard’s machine. To enhance his status within the film, Frank Morgan played multiple parts. His speech when arriving in Oz, vividly capturing the pompous and flowery style, was likely influenced by his earlier working relationship with W.C. Fields. This colorful speech, with its echoes of W.C. Fields' comedic style, is a genuine piece of Hollywood lore.

One piece of delightful irony is present just before the Wizard’s departure in his balloon, where he addressed the people of Emerald City as “My Friends.” These simple words surprisingly evoke the kindly image of President Franklin Roosevelt, who often addressed his radio audience using the same term. However, this benign address holds a deeper significance. Frank Morgan, a Republican, was vocally critical of Roosevelt throughout his presidency. He made Republican campaign speeches in every election, opposing Roosevelt. Therefore, it is amusing to imagine Morgan, a man who detested the person he was addressing, choking on those words.

In conclusion, the story of The Wizard of Oz is not just about the iconic performances of Judy Garland and her co-stars. It is also a narrative of missed opportunities, varied reasons for rejection, and the sometimes personal and political motivations behind these decisions. These rejections add layers of intrigue and complexity to the film's production history, making it a fascinating aspect of Hollywood lore.