Starring Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Frank
Morgan, Toto. Directed by Victor Fleming.
There's no place like home. And there's nothing like a sharp, big-screen viewing of the classic
family musical. The special effects - the tornado, the bubble for the Good Witch of the North, the colourful
smoke for the Wicked Witch of the West - seem a whole lot better on the large screen. Some interesting
things I forgot about from past television viewings:
1. The farmhands were described as not too bright, a bit heartless and a scaredy cat matching
their later Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion characters.
2. Judy Garland is really quite good as the wide-eyed, feisty but quite vulnerable young Dorothy.
It's hard to picture sugary Shirley Temple or sweetie-pie Deanna Durbin, the two original girls looked
at for the role, as being as good. And Judy's voice brings a bittersweet quality that the others were not
likely to provide.
3. Frank Morgan brings considerable energy and expression to the Wizard. Sometimes a bit
over the top, but it still works for the role.
4. The film drags a bit while they arrive at Oz, and kill time until they go off on their search for
the Wicked Witch of the West. Perhaps it's because of repeated viewings, but I kept waiting till it
was over and we could get to the Witch's castle.
5. The sets are colourful and elaborate. Munchkin Land, the Yellow Brick Road by the Scarecrow,
the Emerald City, and the hall and chamber of the Wizard all stand out in the new print.
6. I can't help thinking of Mike Harris whenever I hear the line "What would you do with a brain
if you had one?"
The Wizard of Oz is one of my all time favourites - close to my Top 10 ever, and seeing it
again confirms its status for me. Like most classic films, video will do in a pinch, but seeing The
Wizard of Oz in the theatre is the best way to view it.
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