The Wizard of Oz is iconic. Regardless of how long ago it was released, it’s still a favorite among many movie lovers. It was a movie that sparked a lot of change in the industry, and introduced many new fans to the industry. Still to this day, the movie is celebrated in a number of different industries and not just the Movie industry.
The movie was released all the way back in 1939, it ended up becoming a huge success thanks to its enchanting story, memorable characters and groundbreaking use of color. It brought joy to the world in a very negative time, with financial troubles and a Second World War brewing. It’s still a popular movie celebrated in many other industries today. From the Wizard of Oz merchandise, spin-offs and even a Wizard of Oz slot game that features in many casinos and online casinos. So let’s explore more about this movie and its incredible history.
The Origins of the Movie
The exciting world of Oz was first created back in 1900, when L.Frank Baum’s works, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published. Although it was published as a children’s book, it was loved by everyone and very quickly became a success. This is where Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion were first created. The success of the book very quickly led to different adaptions, stage productions and silent movies. However, it was not until the 1939 adaptation came out that the story became an international success. Since then, there have been multiple adaptations of the book including big Hollywood movies featuring big stars such as James Franco and Mila Kunis, however the 1939 adaption remains to be a favorite for many fans and movie lovers.
Development and Production
The screenplay was adapted by Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf from Baum’s original novel. However there were a lot of changes made to make it more suited to a movie. Especially as there are parts of the book that would’ve been hard to pull off in movies, especially during that time. The movie was produced by the iconic MGM who were a very big name during this time, and still is to this day. The director of the project was Victor Fleming. However, there was a lot of talk about this, as he wasn’t the only director onboard. The movie is actually famous for its many changes in directorial oversight, George Cukor and Mervyn LeRoy both also have ties to directing the movie too.
The production of the movie required a lot of innovative techniques and elaborate sets. The movie’s set design, including the Emerald City and the Yellow Brick Road, was created with a level of detail and imagination that was revolutionary for its time. One of the major aspects of the movie was the use of Technicolor. This was a relatively new technology, with the first movie to use it being only four years before it. This technology allowed viewers to really see and experience the vibrant colors of Oz, which meant there was a lot of pressure for everything to be perfect. The transition from a sepia-toned Kansas to the Technicolor World of Oz was an incredible decision that enhanced the movie even more.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing during the production of The Wizard of Oz. In fact, there were a number of challenges and incidents that the movie had to face. This included the iconic Green Wicked Witch makeup, the copper-based makeup used for Margaret Hamilton caused severe skin reactions, leading to Hamilton’s temporary hospitalization. Additionally, the Tin Man’s makeup, which included aluminum powder, created respiratory issues for Jack Haley. There are also a number of rumors of additional problems and challenges that surround the production of the movie. However there is no way of knowing if there’s any truth to these tales.
Casting and Performances
The cast of The Wizard of Oz was another reason for the success of the movie. The role of Dorothy was intended for Shirley Temple, but unfortunately she was under contract with 20th Century Fox which meant she was unable to take on the role. This led to Judy Garland being cast as Dorthy Gale. This ended up being a success for MGM as Judy Garland and is arguably one of the reasons why the movie is so iconic. Her performance and rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” made her portrayal of Dorothy both beloved and enduring.
The supporting roles in the movie also helped towards the success of the movie. Bert Lahr played the Cowardly Lion, Jack Haley was cast as the Tin Man and Ray Bolger portrayed the Scarecrow. The movie also featured the unforgettable performances of Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West and Frank Morgan as the Wizard of Oz.
Reception and Legacy
The movie was released on August 25, 1939. The movie didn’t exactly perform well, receiving mixed reviews. There were a number of reasons for this, however it was mostly because it was in competition with other big movies being released that year. This included another iconic classic, Gone with the Wind. In the beginning, the Wizard of Oz was a mediocre movie. However, it was able to gain a second wind in the 50s and 60s. Its annual television broadcast meant that the movie was introduced to a whole new generation.
Regardless of its slow start, the movie is now a huge success and has been celebrated for its achievements for many years. A huge achievement is its use of color and it’s incredible special effects being ahead of its time. The movie has been nominated for a number of Academy Awards and even won 2 for Best Original Song for “Over the Rainbow” and Best Original Score.
The Wizard of Oz is an important part of the movie culture and history. It’s left a legacy on the industry which is evident in its continued presence in popular culture. There are a number of adaptations and reimaginings that the movie has inspired. This includes stage musicals and the iconic Wicked, which is a huge production in the industry all around the world including on Broadway and the West End. It’s also being adapted into a movie with big names involved such as Ariana Grande.
In summary, the Wizard of Oz was made during a period of significant change and innovation in the movie industry. Released in 1939, it quickly established itself as a classic due to its groundbreaking use of Technicolor, memorable performances and enchanting story. Despite its initial modest success, the movie’s enduring legacy and cultural impact have made it one of the most beloved and influential movies of all time. Its continued relevance and appeal are a testament to the timeless magic of cinema and the power of storytelling.
