The Wizard of Oz Review (Updated)

The Wizard of Oz


Release Date: 18th April 1940 - Australia


Production Companies
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)


Genre: Family/Fantasy/

Musical

Rating: G

Runtime: 101 minutes


Budget: $2,777,000

Box Office Gross: $35,883,231 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
Dorothy Gale's ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when a tornado hits her hometown of Kansas, plunging her into an unfamiliar world, the land of Oz. Here, she encounters new friends, such as the Scarecrow with no brain, the Tin Man without a heart, and the lion without courage. Together, they journey to find the Wizard, who is said to hold great power
so that all of them can

grant what they are

missing (in Dorothy's
case, to help her get home).
All the while, they are
chased by the Wicked
Witch of the West and her
flying monkeys.

Cast
Judy Garland - Dorothy Gale
Terry - Toto
Ray Bolger - Hunk/The Scarecrow

Jack Haley - Hickory/The Tin Man
Bert Lahr - Zeke/The Cowardly Lion
Margaret Hamilton - Miss
Elmira Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West
Frank Morgan - The Wizard/
Professor Marvel/Doorman/
Cabbie/Guard
Billie Burke - Glinda the Good Witch of the North
Clara Blandick - Auntie Em
Charley Grapewin - Uncle Henry

Pat Walshe - Nikko
The Singer Midgets - Munchkins

Candy Candido - Angry Apple Tree (Voice)

(Uncredited)

Adriana Caselotti - Judith (Voice)

(Uncredited)

Mitchell Lewis - Captain of the Winkie Guard

(Uncredited)

Crew
Director - Victor Fleming
Based on the Book" The Wonderful Wizard of

Oz" - L. Frank Baum
Adaptation/Screenplay - Noel Langley
Screenplay - Florence Ryerson and
Edgar Allan Woolf
Director: Kansas Scenes - King Vidor

(Uncredited)

Associate Producer - Arthur Freed

(Uncredited)
Producer - Mervyn LeRoy

Art Directors - Cedric Gibbons

and Wade B. Rubottom (Uncredited)

Set Decorations - Edwin B. Willis

Costume Designer - Adrian

Creator: Character Makeups - Jack Dawn

Photographer: In Technicolor - Harold Rosson

Associate: Technicolor Photography -

Allen M. Davey

Special Effects - A. Arnold Gillespie,

Mack Johnson (Uncredited), Jack McMaster

(Uncredited) and Hal Miller (Uncredited)

Songs & Lyrics - Harold Arlen and

E.Y. Harburg

Film Editor - Blanche Sewell

Recording Director/Sound Designer

(Uncredited) - Douglas Shearer

Musical Numbers Staged - Bobby Connolly

Musical Adaptation/Composer:

Original Music - Herbert Stothart


Awards

1940 Academy Awards
Best Original Song "Somewhere Over the

Rainbow" - Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg (Won)
Best Original Score - Herbert Stothart (Won)
----------------------------
Best Picture (Nominated)
Best Cinematography, Color - Harold Rosson (Nominated)
Best Art Direction - Cedric Gibbons and
William A. Horning (Nominated)
Best Special Effects - A. Arnold Gillespie
and Douglas Shearer (Nominated)

Review
Victor Fleming's THE WIZARD OF OZ doesn't seem as grand as it used to be due to the many advancements in film production since its release. However, it's been decades since its premiere, as the movie remains a popular classic with historical significance and morally resonant lessons. Its enduring themes of home, friendship, and self-discovery have stood the test of time and remain as popular as ever. Unfortunately, the film was overrated, despite being a colourful fantasy musical for all ages. The most obvious example of the underwhelming elements would be the acting and the songs sung by the Munchkins, particularly the latter, whose voices are too unusual.

However, Margaret Hamilton shines with wickedness as the Wicked Witch. Her performance, complete with an intentional accent that creeps me out, shows she played the part well. Not to mention the make-up that will surely scare off young kids and tiny tots, I was never a big fan of Judy Garland. She looks a bit grown-up to play the 11-year-old Dorothy Gale. Quite simply, I enjoyed her performance and singing. The film's photography is splendid. I like how the sepia tone gradually changes to colour, showing how magical the land of Oz is. I even admire the creativity and impact of the special effects and set design, even if the movie itself is dated. The songs, including "Over the Rainbow," were unforgettable and timeless.

Somebody will likely one day remake THE WIZARD OF OZ with CGI and motion capture. I can't say that THE WIZARD OF OZ is a bad musical fantasy. The film may have its ups and downs, but it's at least refreshing to re-experience the Yellow Brick Road.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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