Uncanny Facts and Details about The Wizard of Oz

The story of The Wizard of Oz, first published by L. Frank Baum in 1900, has transcended time and remains a beloved classic. However, what many may not know is that there are several lesser-known facts and details behind this timeless tale, especially regarding its numerous film adaptations. Let's delve into some intriguing facts, intertwining stories of different casts and behind-the-scenes secrets that have shaped this iconic narrative.

Book and Film Adaptations

Multiple Adaptations Before 1939: Before the famous 1939 black-and-white film starring Judy Garland, several other film adaptations of Baum’s book had been made. Films such as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1908, 1910, two versions in 1914, and another in 1925 set the stage for future adaptations. Not many are aware that Michael Jackson and Diana Ross starred in The Wiz, a 1978 adaptation that breathed new life into the story. Additionally, The Return of Oz (1985) and Oz The Great and Powerful (2013) are further examples of how the tale continues to captivate audiences.

Interesting Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Shirley Temple and Judy Garland

One of the lesser-known facts surrounding the 1939 film is that Shirley Temple, the future child star, was initially set to play the part of Dorothy. However, when MGM took over, they had Judy Garland, already under contract, in mind for the role. This decision changed the trajectory of the film industry significantly. Garland’s iconic portrayal of the young girl from Kansas became one of the most memorable and beloved film careers.

Roles and Cast Changes

In 1939, when actor Buddy Ebsen was cast as the Scarecrow and Ray Bulger as the Tin Man, things took an unexpected turn. Ebsen had a severe reaction to the lead paint or aluminum flakes used in the makeup, causing him to be hospitalized. His condition was so serious that he suffered from lung damage the rest of his life. Consequently, Ray Bulger took over the role of the Scarecrow, and Ebsen was recast as the Tin Man with Jack Haley eventually playing the Scarecrow. Another interesting fact is that Gale Sondergaard, the first-ever winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress, was initially considered for the role of the Wicked Witch of the West, but Margaret Hamilton was in the final lineup.

Unknown Details About the Film

There are several oddities in the film production that few know about. For instance, the famous "silver slippers" in the book were changed to "ruby slippers" to emphasize the color of the movie in spectral terms. Moreover, the role of the Wizard was played by the versatile Frank Morgan, who portrayed four other characters in the film—Professor Marvel, the Gatekeeper, the Carriage Driver, and The Guard. The scene of the "horse of a different color" utilized a clever method where horses were smeared with jello to achieve the desired effect, which made filming challenging. To ensure Judy Garland could work long hours, the production team resorted to giving her barbiturates, a drug that can be harmful if not monitored properly.

Technical Aspects and Character Portrayals

Billie Burke, as Glinda the Good Witch, had to rely on makeup and lighting to look young for her role. She was 54 at the time of filming. The Munchkins, already famous as Singers Midgets, were a traveling troup of singers. Interestingly, Adriana Caselotti, the voice of Snow White, who voiced “Wherefore art thou Romeo,” went uncredited for this role in The Wizard of Oz due to her contract with Disney.

Other Cast and Crew Details

In 1974, five years after Judy Garland's death, her niece Liza Minnelli married Jack Haley Jr., her sister-in-law, making Garland's sister-in-law a bridesmaid at the wedding of her best friend. They divorced the same year as Jack Haley's death. Terry the Cairn terrier, who played Toto, was a female dog, and she made more money than the actors playing the Munchkins. The iconic lion costume was made with real lion fur, making it both a spectacle and a technical marvel of the era.

In conclusion, The Wizard of Oz is a tale filled with enchantment and surprise, from the numerous adaptations to the intriguing behind-the-scenes stories of its production. These little-known facts not only add layers to the rich narrative of Oz but also highlight the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into making this beloved classic.