25 Fun Facts About Wizard of Oz

Who authored the classic 1900 novel, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'?

L. Frank Baum wrote 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', which was first published in 1900 and became a cornerstone of children's literature.

In what year was the original novel, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' first published?

L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' was first published in September 1900.

In what year was the iconic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film adaptation of 'The Wizard of Oz' released?

The beloved 1939 musical fantasy film 'The Wizard of Oz' was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and starred Judy Garland.

From which U.S. state does Dorothy Gale originate?

Dorothy Gale lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and her dog Toto before she is swept away to Oz.

Whose house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East in Munchkinland?

Dorothy's farmhouse is carried by a cyclone and lands in Oz, accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East.

What does Dorothy primarily seek from the Wizard of Oz?

Dorothy's main goal throughout her journey in Oz is to find a way to get back to her home in Kansas.

Which quality does the Scarecrow wish the Wizard would grant him?

The Scarecrow joins Dorothy on her journey to the Emerald City, hoping the Wizard can give him a brain.

What does the Tin Woodman desire from the Wizard of Oz?

The Tin Woodman, made entirely of tin, wishes for a heart so he can feel love and emotion.

What does the Cowardly Lion hope the Wizard can provide him with?

Despite his fierce appearance, the Cowardly Lion is afraid of everything and seeks courage from the Wizard.

In L. Frank Baum's original book, what color were Dorothy's magical shoes?

In the original 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' novel, Dorothy's shoes were silver, but they were changed to ruby for the 1939 film to take advantage of Technicolor.

Who is the primary antagonist faced by Dorothy and her friends on their journey to the Emerald City?

The Wicked Witch of the West seeks revenge for her sister's death and tries to stop Dorothy and her companions from reaching the Wizard.

What is the name of Dorothy's loyal canine companion?

Dorothy's small black dog and faithful companion throughout her adventures in Oz is named Toto.

What title is Glinda most commonly known by in the Land of Oz?

Glinda is known as the Good Witch, specifically the Good Witch of the North in the film and the Good Witch of the South in the book, guiding Dorothy on her journey.

How does Dorothy accidentally defeat the Wicked Witch of the West?

Dorothy inadvertently splashes the Wicked Witch of the West with water, causing her to melt away.

The Wizard of Oz is eventually revealed to be an ordinary man from what U.S. city?

The Wizard is revealed to be a humbug, a former circus performer from Omaha, Nebraska, who arrived in Oz by hot air balloon.

Terry, the dog who portrayed Toto in the 1939 film, was what breed?

Terry was a female Cairn Terrier trained by Carl Spitz. A Winkie guard accidentally stepped on one of her paws during filming, spraining it, and she spent two weeks recovering at Judy Garland's home.

Which actor began filming as the Tin Man in 1939 but had to leave after a toxic reaction to his aluminum powder makeup?

Ten days into the shoot he was hospitalised in critical condition after inhaling aluminum dust, and Jack Haley took over the part with a safer aluminum paste makeup. Ebsen's singing voice still survives in the Tin Man's group vocals.

Which member of the 1939 cast played five separate parts, among them Professor Marvel and the title character?

He appears as Professor Marvel, the Wizard, the Emerald City gatekeeper, the carriage driver and the Wizard's guard. The closing credits list only the Kansas role, so he is billed simply as Professor Marvel.

Bert Lahr's sweltering costume in the 1939 film was made primarily from which material?

The suit used genuine pelt and fur, which became punishing under the hot lamps that three-strip Technicolor required. The heavy makeup left Lahr able to eat only soup and milkshakes on his breaks.

What was used to tint the white horses in the "horse of a different color" sequence?

The animals were coated in flavored gelatin powder, which meant each shot had to be captured quickly before they began licking it off.

The 1939 film took two competitive Academy Awards. One was the Oscar for the song "Over the Rainbow." What was the other one for?

MGM's Herbert Stothart took the scoring prize. The picture drew five nominations in all, including Best Picture, which went to Gone with the Wind, and Judy Garland received a non-competitive Academy Juvenile Award.

Margaret Hamilton played the Wicked Witch of the West. Which Kansas neighbour did she also portray?

In the sepia Kansas scenes she is the neighbour who obtains a sheriff's order to seize Toto after he bites her, and she morphs into the witch as the farmhouse spins through the air.

The Kansas footage in the 1939 film was shot in black and white and then given which treatment?

Only the Oz sequences were photographed in three-strip Technicolor. The credits and the farm material were toned brown afterwards, and the same stock was used when Aunt Em appears in the witch's crystal ball.

Who directed the bulk of the 1939 film before departing to take charge of Gone with the Wind?

He shot most of the picture, then moved to the troubled Gone with the Wind. King Vidor finished the remaining days, including the Kansas material.

The fake snow falling on Dorothy in the poppy field was made from which material?

The same material served for the witch's burning broomstick, and after Margaret Hamilton was burned on set, costumes for later fire scenes were built with it as well.