Over the Rainbow
A Famous Fantasy Film Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary
People usually think of older films when they hear the term "family classic movies". Blockbusters like Gone with the Wind and It's a Wonderful Life are usually among some of the first ones mentioned, but flicks aren't memorable because of age alone.
Only when films contain memorable characters, intriguing storylines, and fantastic acting should they be held as true classics. The Wizard of Oz has many of these features and more.
Starring Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, and Frank Morgan, The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy Gale, a young farm girl from Kansas. She is a dreamer and believes she can find a grander life if she leaves home.
After a vicious tornado hits her home where she is knocked unconscious, Dorothy dreams that she and her faithful dog, Toto (along with her house) are transported to the magical land of Oz where she meets a scarecrow without a brain, a tin man with no heart and a cowardly lion.
Together, they journey to Emerald City so they can meet the wizard and acquire what they're seeking, such as Dorothy's ability to return home.
Cast and Facts
Directed by Victor Fleming, The Wizard of Oz was released on August 15, 1939 by movie giant MGM after they bought the rights to the franchise in 1937. It was made on a budget of $2,777,000.
Although the developers originally intended for Shirley Temple to play Dorothy, she didn't have a wide enough vocal range for the songs, so the role went to Judy Garland instead.
Gale Sondergaard was also cast to play a seductive version of the Wicked Witch, but when the writers changed the witch into a more ghastly character, Ms. Sondergaard refused to wear the green make-up, and Margaret Hamilton was chosen in her place.
Margaret Hamilton was actually injured during the Wicked Witch's first appearance in Munchkinland. After the smoke and flames in the scene came too soon and caught her clothes on fire, she was taken to a hospital for second and third degree burns on her face and hands.
Emotionally-Driven Characters
Not only are the movie's characters very memorable, but likeable as well. It's definitely not hard to get emotionally attached to them, especially to Dorothy's three best friends in Oz.
The Tin Man's sentimentality will really make viewers feel for his plight and the Scarecrow's amusing antics will certainly make them laugh with him, not at him.
The Wicked Witch is a fantastic archetype villain and is sure to scare many children since she tries to find Dorothy more than once to obtain her ruby slippers.
Dorothy herself is a very strong character, particularly in her personality. She is humble, very kind-hearted and not afraid to stand up for what's right, traits that could be seen as influential for young girls growing up in the 1930s and even today.
Timeless Songs
The movie has several musical numbers, the ever-catchy If I only Had a Brain and rejoicing Ding Dong, The Witch is Dead being two examples, but the song that stands out the most is Over the Rainbow.
Many are sure to relate to Dorothy's dream of peace and happiness as she sings her heart out on the farm's glorious prairie. The song is even listed as the greatest movie song of all time according to AFI's list of top 100 songs.
Originally, Over the Rainbow was going to be removed from the movie, but the film makers decided to add it back in at the last minute, a choice that is much-appreciated today.
After many years, The Wizard of Oz still holds its own against big-budget movies of today. It is certain that it will never be forgotten and will be talked about for years to come.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Dreams Come True
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