Why The Wizard of Oz Became a Musical

The Enchanting World of The Wizard of Oz: Why It Became a Musical

In the early 20th century, the world of cinema underwent a significant transformation, particularly with the introduction and evolution of the musical genre. One of the most iconic and enduring examples of a film that blended elements of fantasy, drama, and musical elements is The Wizard of Oz. But why did this particular movie become a musical, and how did it set the stage for a long-standing tradition in filmmaking? Let's explore the reasons behind its musical nature and evaluate how it fits into the broader context of musical fantasy films.

Why The Wizard of Oz Had Musical Elements

Although The Wizard of Oz is primarily known as a film with a few musical numbers, it's essential to understand the context and intent behind those musical segments. The movie, while not a full-fledged musical, incorporates a few key songs that hold significant importance to the plot and character development.

The story of The Wizard of Oz revolves around Dorothy, a young girl who is whisked away to the magical land of Oz after a tornado. The songs in the film, such as "Over the Rainbow," are not just incidental but integral to the narrative. For instance, "Over the Rainbow" is often considered iconic because it expresses Dorothy's yearning for a different life beyond her mundane Kansas existence. If you cut out the musical numbers, the story would still be mostly coherent, but these songs add another layer to the emotional journey of the protagonist.

One of the most famous songs, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," was almost cut due to time constraints. However, its powerful emotional content and the film's stakes made it crucial to keep. These moments of musical interludes are not mere distractions but pivotal elements that enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of the film.

Context in the Era of Fantasy Films

The 1939 production of The Wizard of Oz falls within a broader context of fantasy films that often incorporated musical numbers. This tradition was not unique to America but prevalent in Hollywood, which was home to some of the most prominent film studios of the era. Let's explore some well-known examples.

Musical Fantasy Films of the Era

Many studios produced films that featured musical numbers as integral parts of the narrative. For instance, the Marx Brothers, with their hit film A Day at the Races (1935), displayed how a large and diverse cast could be integrated into musical sequences. In this film, a black cast appeared in a sequence that was a jazz fest, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that were becoming more prominent in American cinema.

Another example is Babes in Toyland (1934), a comedy adventure film featuring Laurel and Hardy. This movie also included musical numbers, demonstrating that even in comedic genres, musical segments could serve the plot and character development.

In the world of animation, films like Gulliver’s Travels (1939) also embraced musical elements. These examples highlight a trend where fantasy and musical genres were often intertwined, creating a unique cinematic experience for audiences.

The Role of MGM

The Wizard of Oz was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), a renowned studio known for its elaborate and spectacular musical productions. MGM's history and reputation in the film industry contributed significantly to the decision to include more musical numbers in The Wizard of Oz. MGM was famous for its lavish sets and musical extravaganzas, such as the colorful and imaginative Broadway Serenade (1939), which featured over 400 performers.

With a track record of producing high-quality musical films, the studio set an expectation that imaginary worlds would be brought to life with grand musical sequences. Due to this tradition, fantasy films made by MGM were often accompanied by vivid and enchanting musical numbers. The movie "The Wizard of Oz" thus benefited from this legacy, providing audiences with memorable song and dance sequences that complemented the storytelling and magical atmosphere of Oz.

Modern Implications

The legacy of The Wizard of Oz in the realm of musical fantasy films continues to influence modern cinema. The success of the film in blending fantasy, drama, and the musical genre paved the way for future animated and live-action films that incorporate similar elements. Today, movies like Moana and Aladdin continue to draw inspiration from the musical traditions established in The Wizard of Oz.

Similarly, the impact of these musical sequences on the broader cultural narrative of American film cannot be overstated. The iconic "Over the Rainbow" remains a benchmark in musical cinema, symbolizing the power of music to convey deep, emotional narratives.

As we continue to appreciate the value of The Wizard of Oz as a masterpiece of the cinematic arts, it is fascinating to reflect on the various reasons that led to its musical nature. From the expectations set by MGM to the cultural context of the era, the film's musical elements are integral to its enduring legacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to make The Wizard of Oz a film with musical numbers was a nuanced combination of studio tradition, audience expectations, and the film's narrative needs. These elements culminated in a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences even today. Understanding the reasons behind the musical nature of The Wizard of Oz provides valuable insights into the history of Hollywood and the enduring appeal of musical fantasy films.