The Wizard of Oz holds a special place in the hearts of movie lovers worldwide. Its initial reception might not have been a blockbuster, but over the years, its re-releases and continuous airings have solidified its status as an American classic and a highly influential motion picture. Adapted from L. Frank Baum's children's book, it not only established Judy Garland as a Hollywood star but also introduced elements like Dorothy's ruby slippers and Glinda's bubble into American pop culture.

Unveiling the Mysteries Behind the Wizard of Oz

Judy Garland's On-Set Moments

On the set of 'The Wizard of Oz', Judy Garland shared precious moments with Toto. As seen in the photo from MGM/Kobal/Shutterstock, she and the beloved dog took some downtime, creating a heartwarming scene. Garland's pigtails are iconic, but she also wore her hair half-up and half-down towards the end of the film, adding to her diverse on-screen look.Another aspect of her on-set life was captured when she was in a wardrobe test. The photo from Courtesy Everett Collection shows her in various outfits, highlighting her talent for bringing different characters to life.

Frank Morgan's Makeup Test

Frank Morgan, who played the Wizard of Oz, was photographed during a makeup test. His transformation into the magical character was a meticulous process, as seen in the image from Courtesy Everett Collection. This test was a crucial part of bringing the story to life on the silver screen.Morgan's performance added a layer of mystery and charm to the movie, making him an unforgettable part of 'The Wizard of Oz'.

Ray Bolger's Makeup Test

Ray Bolger, the Scarecrow, was also photographed in a screen test for his makeup. His work on Broadway and in 'Babes in Toyland' prepared him well for this role. In the photo from Courtesy Everett Collection, one can see the attention to detail in creating his character's look.Bolger's portrayal of the Scarecrow was both comical and endearing, adding a lot of charm to the movie.

Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West

Margaret Hamilton's look as the Wicked Witch of the West was truly distinctive. Her iconic nails added to her menacing presence, as shown in the photo from Virgil Apger/John Kobal Foundation/Getty.The Wicked Witch became one of the most famous characters in the movie, with her immortal line, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!" haunting the minds of many.

The 'The Wizard of Oz' Cast

The publicity blitz for the movie involved various activities, including the release of toys and merchandise. Just like the upcoming release of 'Wicked' in 2024, the cast was constantly on the move. In the photo from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty, one can see the entire cast together on the set.Each actor brought their unique talent to the movie, creating a memorable ensemble.

Sneaking into the Witch's Castle

Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, and Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow are pictured as they try to rescue Dorothy. This scene from MGM Studios/Archive Photos/Getty shows the camaraderie among the characters as they face challenges together.Their efforts to save Dorothy added a sense of adventure to the movie.

Meeting the Wizard

In the original novel of 'The Wizard of Oz', the Emerald City wasn't actually green. Instead, the Wizard made everyone who entered wear green-tinted glasses. This detail was brought to life in the movie when the cast, including Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Judy Garland as Dorothy, Ray Bolge as the Scarecrow, and Frank Morgan as the Doorman, met the Wizard. The photo from Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty captures this moment of anticipation.

Promoting 'The Wizard of Oz'

The cast kept busy on their promotional tour, singing songs from the film together on NBC Radio in 1939. As seen in the photo from Hulton Archive/Getty, they came together to promote the movie and share its magic with the world.This promotional tour helped to increase the movie's popularity and made it a household name.

Back in Kansas

The Wizard of Oz had almost every actor playing a double role - one person in Kansas and another in Oz. Except for Garland and Burke, everyone had to navigate these two different worlds. In the photo from MGM Studios/MGM Studios/Getty, one can see the cast in Kansas, showing a different side of their characters.This dual role added depth to the story and made it even more engaging.

Saving Dorothy

Garland's career took off after 'The Wizard of Oz'. Her performance in the movie opened doors for her, and 'Meet Me in St. Louis' followed five years later. In a photo from MGM Studios/Archive Photos/Getty, she is seen with Ray Bolger, highlighting their on-screen chemistry.Her success in 'The Wizard of Oz' was a turning point in her career.

The Witch Is Dead!

Judy Garland (center) was surrounded by Munchkins in 'The Wizard of Oz'. The munchkins were played by both little people and children, adding to the charm of the movie. The photo from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty captures this magical moment.The Munchkins became an integral part of the movie's lore.

The Witch's Demise

Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, and Margaret Hamilton are pictured in a scene from 'The Wizard of Oz'. The flying monkeys, also known as the winged monkeys, are one of the most famous parts of the movie. In the original book, they could also talk, adding another layer of mystery.This scene shows the climax of the movie and the final confrontation between the characters.