The Wizard of Oz

wizard-of-oz_main-banner_photo.jpg

Still one of the most beloved films of all time, The Wizard of Oz was released in the landmark year of 1939 and featured Judy Garland in her most famous role as Dorothy Gale. This wasn’t the first time the story had been filmed (following two silents and a cartoon), and later Oz-inspired works have included films like Oz the Great and Powerful, Return to Oz, and the  novel and Broadway musical Wicked.

In the original book series by L. Frank Baum, Oz was actually real instead of a dream, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers were originally silver. However, the changes made by MGM quickly became part of pop culture. Along with Garland, the film also features unforgettable roles for Ray Bolger (as the Scarecrow), Jack Haley (as the Tin Man), and Bert Lahr (as the Cowardly Lion), the best companions any traveler in a fantasy world could have. Now see how an all-time family classic made it to the big screen, with more than a few changes along its path down the Yellow Brick Road. 

 

A Colorful Fantasy
An Early Wicked Witch
An Early Tin Man
A Wizard Session
Wizard of Oz - Production Drawing
Emerald City - Behind the Scenes
Hairstyle and Costume Test
The Production Code
“The Jitterbug"
The Magic of Technicolor
Music Recording
Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Revisiting the Wizard
The Scarecrow and Tin Man