Characterized by its legendary use of Technicolor (although not being the first to use it), fantasy storytelling, musical score, and memorable characters, the film has become an icon of American popular culture. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but lost to Gone with the Wind, also directed by Fleming. It did win in two other categories: Best Original Song for "Over the Rainbow" ( The song was ranked first in two lists: the AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs and the Recording Industry Association of America's "365 Songs of the Century".) and Best Original Score by Herbert Stothart. While the film was considered a critical success upon release in August 1939, it failed to make a profit for MGM until the 1949 re-release, earning only $3,017,000 on a $2,777,000 budget, not including promotional costs, which made it MGM's most expensive production at that time.
The 1956 television broadcast premiere of the film on the CBS network reintroduced the film to the public; according to the Library of Congress, it is the most seen film in movie history. It was among the first 25 films that inaugurated the National Film Registry list in 1989. It is also one of the few films on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The film is among the top ten in the BFI (British Film Institute) list of 50 films to be seen by the age of 14.
The Wizard of Oz is the source of many quotes referenced in contemporary popular culture. Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf received credit for the screenplay, but uncredited contributions were made by others. The songs were written by Edgar "Yip" Harburg (lyrics) and Harold Arlen (music). The musical score and the incidental music were composed by Stothart.
Cast:
- Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale
- Frank Morgan as Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz/Emerald City Doorman/the Cabby/Emerald City Guard/The Wizard of Oz angry face projection.
- Ray Bolger as "Hunk" / Scarecrow
- Jack Haley as "Hickory" / Tin Man
- Bert Lahr as "Zeke" / the Cowardly Lion
- Billie Burke as Glinda
- Margaret Hamilton as Miss Almira Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West
- Clara Blandick as Auntie Em
- Charley Grapewin as Uncle Henry
- Pat Walshe as Nikko
- Terry as Toto
- Mitchell Lewis as the Winkie Guard Captain (credited only in the IMAX version)
- Adriana Caselotti as the voice of Juliet in the Tin Man's song "If I Only Had a Heart" (uncredited)
- The Singer Midgets as The Munchkins
The Wizard of Oz is my all-time favorite movie and to celebrate its 80th Anniversary,
I have decided to create this special post. My very first recollection of being introduced
to the film was a copy of the 50th Anniversary VHS that my Aunt had given to my Grandfather
for me to watch. I instantly fell in love with the magic that I was witnessing. To this day,
the Wicked Witch of the West, played to perfection by Margaret Hamilton, is my favorite character.
I'll never forget seeing her iconic entrance in a puff of red smoke and flames in Munchkinland
and her famous line "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!" And, to this day, "Over the Rainbow",
by the legendary Judy Garland remains my favorite song from a film's soundtrack.
by the legendary Judy Garland remains my favorite song from a film's soundtrack.
In 2013, my partner (Robert) and I had the immense pleasure of experiencing The Wizard of Oz
in theaters, and, earlier this year, experienced it again in theaters for its 80th Anniversary.
Now, close your eyes and tap your heels together three times. And think to yourself,
"Happy 80th Anniversary!"
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