The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)

The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)
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Name	The Wizard of Oz
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Victor Fleming
Producer	Mervyn LeRoy
Based on	The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum
Screenplay	Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allan Woolf
Starring	Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charley Grapewin, Clara Blandick
Music	Harold Arlen (songs), Herbert Stothart (score)
Cinematography	Harold Rosson
Editing	Blanche Sewell
Studio	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributor	Loew's, Inc.
Released	1939, 08, 15, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, 1939, 08, 25, United States
Runtime	101 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$2.8 million
Gross	$33 million (initial release)

The Wizard of Oz (1939 film). A landmark Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical fantasy film directed primarily by Victor Fleming, it is the most famous adaptation of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, the film is celebrated for its innovative use of Technicolor, memorable musical numbers, and enduring cultural influence. Its transition from the sepia-toned Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz remains one of the most iconic moments in cinema history.

Plot

Young Dorothy Gale, living on a farm in Kansas with her aunt Em and uncle Henry, dreams of a place "over the rainbow." After a tornado strikes, her house is carried to the magical Land of Oz, where it lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her. The Munchkins and the Good Witch of the North, Glinda, greet Dorothy, who is given the witch's magical Ruby Slippers. To return home, Dorothy must follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and seek help from the mysterious Wizard of Oz. Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Woodman desiring a heart, and a Cowardly Lion in need of courage. After facing the wrath of the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys, the group discovers the Wizard is a humbug. Dorothy ultimately learns the power to return home was with her all along, clicking the heels of the slippers and repeating, "There's no place like home."

Cast

The ensemble cast is led by Judy Garland in her star-making role as Dorothy Gale. Frank Morgan portrays multiple characters, including the titular Wizard of Oz and Professor Marvel. Dorothy's companions are played by Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman, and Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion. Margaret Hamilton delivers a legendary performance as the menacing Wicked Witch of the West, while Billie Burke is the ethereal Glinda. The Kansas sequences feature Charley Grapewin as Uncle Henry and Clara Blandick as Aunt Em. The Munchkins were portrayed by over a hundred actors, including members of the Singer Midgets troupe.

Production

Development at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was overseen by producer Mervyn LeRoy, with Victor Fleming credited as director, though King Vidor directed the Kansas sequences. The screenplay by Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf underwent numerous revisions. The film was a major technical achievement, utilizing the costly three-strip Technicolor process and elaborate sets like the Emerald City. Special effects were pioneered by A. Arnold Gillespie, including the tornado sequence created with a muslin stocking. The production faced challenges, including the replacement of original Tin Woodman actor Buddy Ebsen due to an allergic reaction to the aluminum dust makeup, leading to Jack Haley's recasting.

Music

The film's iconic score and songs were composed by Harold Arlen (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics), with the orchestral score by Herbert Stothart. The soundtrack includes the Oscar-winning ballad "Over the Rainbow", performed by Judy Garland, which became her signature song. Other memorable numbers include the optimistic "We're Off to See the Wizard", the celebratory "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead", and the marching "Follow the Yellow Brick Road". The music earned the film the Academy Award for Best Original Score and "Over the Rainbow" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Release and reception

The film premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on August 15, 1939, with a wide release following on August 25. While it was a critical success, praised for its fantasy and spectacle, its initial box office returns were modest, failing to fully recoup its large budget against competition from films like Gone with the Wind. It received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, winning two for its music. The film's popularity soared with annual television broadcasts beginning on CBS in 1956, making it a perennial family favorite and introducing it to massive new audiences.

Legacy

The Wizard of Oz is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. Its phrases, imagery, and music are deeply embedded in global popular culture. The film has inspired countless adaptations, including the 1978 musical The Wiz and the stage musical Wicked. It is frequently analyzed for its alleged political and economic allegories. The Ruby Slippers are among the most famous cinematic artifacts, with several pairs housed at institutions like the Smithsonian Institution. The film's enduring message of self-discovery and home continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Category:1939 films Category:American films Category:Musical fantasy films