We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Ever since my childhood, I remember watching one of my favorite movies of all time, "The Wizard of Oz." So many times that I remember almost the entire movie by heart! As a little girl, I sang and danced along to the catchy music, a major component for the movie.
This movie is considered to be one of the most successful family movies of all time, despite not being an immediate success at the time of its release. Metro-Goldwyn Mayer had a reputation for producing high-quality musical movies, so the film producers for "The Wizard of Oz" made sure to make the movie an unforgettable and live up to MGM's reputation.
It is recognized for its use of Technicolor For example, the silver slippers from the book were changed to a red hue to make full use of the three-strip color process.
"The Wizard of Oz" is based on the 1900 children's book by L. Frank Baum. Although the story was adapted into several motion pictures, cartoons and stage musicals, the 1939 film is the most famous and recognizable adaptation.
Judy Garland stars as Dorothy Gale, who "dreams of land somewhere over the rainbow." When a tornado rips through Kansas, she and her dog, Toto, are swept away in their house to the magical Land of Oz.
Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!
~ Dorothy Gale
Margaret Hamilton starred as the cranky Miss Gulch, as well as the Wicked Witch of the West. Ray Bolger is the first farmhand Hunk and the Scarecrow. Jack Haley is the second farmhand Hickory and the Tin Man. Bert Lahr is the third farmhand Zeke and the Cowardly Lion. Finally, Frank Morgan starred as Professor Marvel and the Wizard of Oz himself.
The iconic ruby slippers worn by Dorothy are among most memorable and valuable items of film memorabilia. One pair is currently housed at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History.
Deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" to America's film heritage, the movie was selected for inclusion for the Library of Congress's National Film Registry in 1989.
One thing that I like about the movie is its ability to appeal to audiences of all ages, especially young children. I love Dorothy's unique character because it brings a sense of vulnerability, curiosity and yearning. This evident when she sings "Somewhere over the Rainbow," when she yearns for a place where troubles melt like lemon drops and the sky is always blue. In addition, the movie provides valuable lessons in courage, friendship, love, kindness and fortitude.
All in all, "The Wizard of Oz" is a movie definitely worth watching over and over again.
You can watch the original "Wizard of Oz" trailer here.
Comments