No. 29 - The Wizard of Oz (1939) Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Loew's Inc. Mighty Miracle Show Of 1000 Delights!

The Wizard of Oz (1939), DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

Director: Victor Fleming, George Cukor and Mervyn LeROy (both uncredited); Screenplay: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allan Woolf; based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum; Rated G

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Clara Blandick, Terry (as Toto)

Plot Summary: After a tornado sweeps her away from her Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale embarks on a quest to find the powerful Wizard of Oz who can help her return home. Along the Yellow Brick Road, she encounters a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Man desiring a heart, and a Cowardly Lion longing for courage, who all join her on this journey. Together, they face the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge on Dorothy for an accident upon her arrival.

Defining Moment: welcome to Oz

Dorothy has lived all of her life on the simple farm plains of Kansas. The opening segment was purposefully filmed in black and white (Actually sepia tone). When a stormy tornado lifts her home through the sky, it finally drops with a sudden thud, and all is quiet.  She gingerly moves to open her front door, and pushes it open. Revealed is a foreign new world, all on full display using a new film concept called Technicolor. And there, many incredible wonders await...

Something subtle you might have missed:  multiple personalities

Most main actors (not named "Dorothy") play multiple parts in this film. Dorothy's three Oz-traveling companions are her family's farm workers: Hunk (Scarecrow), Zeke (Lion) and Hickory (Tin Man).  Margaret Hamilton played the scheming spinster Almira Gulch, The Wicked Witch of the East (before the house fell on her) and finally her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West.

However, none played more roles than the versatile character actor Frank Morgan. He plays Professor Marvel, the Oz gatekeeper, the Oz Guard, the Oz Coachman, and finally the Wizard himself. Now, that is impressive!

Memorable Quotes:

"Very well – I'll bide my time. And as for you, my fine lady, it's true I can't attend to you here and now as I'd like; but just try to stay out of my way – just try! I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!” – The Wicked Witch

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! The Great Oz has spoken!" - The Wizard

Dad's Review:

From my childhood memories, there was one movie I distinctly remember looking forward to every year. You have to remember, back then we only had three channels. By that I mean, there were only three channels to be had, and one of those was mostly static.  Full length feature films were only shown by a network once a year, if that. This was the same for The Ten Commandments (1956) (usually shown before Easter) and The Searchers (1956). By the time these classics came around each year, the anticipation was intense.

It was a brilliant idea to start the film in black and white, then, after the wild twister ride, opens the front door to the full color Land of Oz! Still today, the scene is breathtaking. It is important to understand that in 1939, color film technology was in its infancy, so was really something magical, especially to families that had a color TV.

Oz, without question, is an odd place. We are introduced to munchkins, witches, wizards and flying monkeys. Without proper direction and some amazing performances from the cast, this could have come off as just a silly children's film. Instead, it is so much more. The story takes a normal young lady, living in hard circumstances, and transports her to a new fantastical place. She experiences a grand adventure, but by the end, she just wants to "go home". Except our traveler and spunky dog are a little more appreciative, and perhaps a little wiser. This is such a universal theme.

I think two performances really carry the film. The first is Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, who delivers an iconic character. The American Film Institute (AFI) has the Wicked Witch ranked #4 on "AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains". Personally, she scared the heck out of me, but I grew to love her over-the-top performance, and still do. She herself always loved the role, too, and reprised it many times for cameo appearances on TV. (Check out her witchy appearance on the 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween Special, starring musical guest: KISS in their kabuki prime!)

The second great performance is Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow. Dorothy meets the Scarecrow first and says goodbye to him last. Bolger, a very talented dancer, immortalized the role. From the minute he falls off that fence post, he steals the show. He is so much fun to watch. His wonderfully "brain-less" character repeatedly saves our heroes from certain calamity using his wits. His portrayal of the Scarecrow is one of cinema’s most beloved characters.

This is not to say the other performances are not up to snuff. Judy Garland is wonderful in the lead role. And who doesn’t love the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) and the weepy Tin Man (Jack Haley). This film is packed with unforgettable characters and magical moments.

O Fim

Onto No. 30... Heave Scythe