"The Wizard of Oz" Endures Where Other Films Have Failed

Few films have touched the hearts of children of all ages like "The Wizard of Oz". Oddly the 1939 movie, based upon L. Frank Baum's books, was not an immediate success. It wasn't until television came into play that it began spreading like the elusive dream of Oz itself.

When Shirley Temple's unofficial audition raised questions about her vocal range, eyes quickly turned to16-year-old Judy Garland for the role of Dorothy. Her natural innocence and extraordinary vocal talent made her an obvious choice.

Demonstrative Bert Lahr was perfect for the Cowardly Lion. Initially Buddy Ebsen was hired to play the Scarecrow while Ray Bolger was picked for the Tin Man. Bolger; however, wanted to play the straw man so Ebsen agreed to switch parts. That turned out to be an ill-fated decision. Ebsen fell victim to the aluminum dust of his makeup. While he was hospitalized, Jack Haley was tagged to replace him. Although the recast seemed tactless, it ultimately worked for the movie. It's not difficult to envision anyone other than the rubber-legged Bolger as the Scarecrow and Jack Haley became the quintessential Tin Man.

Frank Morgan inherited his part by default after negotiations with W.C. Field broke down. The switch turned out to be a good one. Morgan brought mischievous charm and heart to the Wizard. Also perfect were the castings of Billie Burke and Margaret Hamilton as the witches. Burke's beauty and charm were exactly what Glinda required, while Hamilton's austere countenance was tailor made for the Wicked Witch. The final casting coo was that of the Munchkins. More than 100 little people were brought in from circuses and vaudeville acts around the country. They brought a needed authenticity to the movie.

It took 18 writers to complete the masterful screenplay. Only three were initially credited. They were Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf. Langley made important contributions. He turned Dorothy's silver slippers to ruby ones to take advantage of the film's Technicolor. He also changed the real trip to Oz illustrated in the books into a dream state. Finally, he added the lines for which the film has always been remembered: "There's no place like home.

The pitch perfect musical score created by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, was fun and whimsical. Sadly all the songs created didn't make the final cut. Even the iconic Over the Rainbow was eliminated for a short time. Luckily it was restored and went on to win an Oscar. Arlen and Harburg also took one home for their brilliant musical score.

Direction problems plagued the film. Norman Taurog and Richard Thorpe left early on. Victor Fleming expertly directed the majority of the film until he was summoned to "Gone With the Wind". King Vidor filled in for Fleming, taking over many of the Oz sequences and all of the Kansas scenes. However, it was George Cukor who made the most important changes, altering makeup and costumes to impart a more childlike quality to Dorothy.

Special effects were crucial and they didn't disappoint with Arnold Gillespie and Douglas Shearer nominated for Oscars in that area. Using sepia colored film for the real world scenes and Technicolor for the surreal Oz was an inspired decision. Unfortunately, a lot of viewers thought the Kansas scenes were shot in black and white since that's how they looked on TV. It wasn't until the film's restoration that a new generation caught a glimpse of the movie as it was shot. That made the Technicolor aspect even more dazzling.

The effect of Dorothy's home flying through the air and landing in Kansas was achieved by dropping a miniature version of the house from the top of the stage to a painted floor below. The tornado was more complicated. It was created out of a 35-foot muslin sock with a rod suspended through the center to give it the jerking motion needed to move it around. The porous fabric allowed dirt thrown up from the base to seep out, giving the appearance of debris. The sock was attached to a gantry that held it suspended over the stage. Clouds of chemicals were released to create the storm clouds. Wind machines and large amounts of dirt and debris were blown into the scenes as they were filmed. The result was one of the most realistic looking tornadoes to be filmed for many years to come.

From lavish sets to one-of-a-kind costumes, everything about the movie created an alluring fantasy for children and adults alike. Although the brilliant film didn't take home an Oscar for Best Picture, it had nothing of which to be ashamed. As it turned out 1939 as been dubbed one of the greatest years in movie history. The competition was mind-boggling.

Unlike it's competitors of the time; however, the childlike innocence of the film, combined with a belief that home is where the heart is, makes "The Wizard of Oz" almost ageless. As long as there are children to dream and wishes to be made, "The Wizard of Oz" will live on in the hearts and minds of generations yet to come. I give it 5 stars. It's a classic!

RATING SCALE USED:

0 = A stinker. Don't waste the money!
1 = Bad. Rent it at your own risk.
2 = Below average. See only if you have time to kill.
2.5 = Average. A toss up.
3 = Good. Worth your time.
3.5 = Very Good. I recommend it.
4 = Excellent. Don't miss it!
4.5 = Outstanding. What are you waiting for?
5 = A classic. You will be sorry if you don't see it.

RESOURCES:

Internet Movie Database (IMDB)
Behind the Curtain: The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Books and DVDs