20+ Things You Didn’t Know About The Wizard Of Oz!

1. The Lion Costume Was Real

Believe it or not, behind the whimsical facade of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz lies a rather shocking revelation: the costume was crafted using real lion pelts. Now, in our modern sensibilities, such a practice would raise eyebrows and concerns, reflecting a different era's approach to filmmaking.(Image Source/ USAtoday)Something we do not know when we watch The Wizard Of Oz is that the cowardly lion costume is actually made of real lion pelts. This is a fact that in the modern day, we do not approve of. The costume for the lion also weighed over one hundred pounds because it was using real lion skin and fur.Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. Judy Garland Wore a Corset to Look More Childlike

Despite Judy Garland being 16 during the filming of The Wizard of Oz, the character she portrayed, Dorothy, was a young girl caught up in the whimsical world of Oz. To maintain that illusion of youth, the filmmakers employed a rather unusual tactic - a corset.(Image Source/ USAtoday)Judy Garland was 16 years old when she filmed for The Wizard of Oz. Of course, Dorothy is a young girl in the TWOZ and so to make Judy Garland appear younger they used a corset. This was so that they could flatten her chest so that she looked less like a developed woman.

3. The Set Was Often 100 Degrees

Picture yourself on the set of The Wizard of Oz, where the sweltering heat wasn't just a minor inconvenience—it was a scorching reality. Temperatures soared to a staggering 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and often beyond, thanks to the intense lighting demands of the Technicolor filming process.(Image Source/ flickminuite)Imagine having to work on set at temperatures of 100 degrees, sometimes more. It sounds pretty unbearable. But for The Wizard of oz this was the case because of the lighting. They were using technicolor which at that time required a lot more light than in modern days now that technology has progresses so far.

4. A Pair of Ruby Slippers Were Stolen in 2005

Imagine the intrigue and mystery surrounding one of the most iconic pieces of cinematic history—those enchanting ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. In 2005, a pair of these irreplaceable treasures, genuine costume props worn on set, vanished into thin air.(Image Source/ billboard)In 2005 a pair of the ruby slippers that were actually used on the set and as real costume props were stolen. It is unclear how or who, but now the remaining few ruby slippers are kept under lock and key to stop them from being stolen too.

5. The Ruby Slippers Weren't Supposed To Be Red

The enchanting allure of the ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz is undeniable—they've become an iconic symbol recognized globally. In L. Frank Baum's timeless 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's prized footwear wasn't adorned with the gleaming hue of rubies; they were, in fact, a stunning silver.

(Image Source/ MPRnews)

They Ruby Slippers are recognisable all over the world as one of the symbols of TWOZ. But, they actually were not supposed to be ruby. In L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Dorothy's slippers were actually silver, not red. But, to make the most of the technicolor and to make them look more of a statement on screen the producers decided to make the slippers ruby red.

6. Special Effects or Jell-O

Can you believe that Jell-O, that wobbly, jiggly dessert treat, played a surprising role in creating the mesmerizing spectacle of the Emerald City scene in The Wizard of Oz? In a stroke of unconventional ingenuity, the special effects team sought to transform the horses into vividly colored creatures.(Image Source/ pinterest)One thing that you don't expect to be a staple in the production of a film and in the use of special effects is Jell-O. But, for the Emerald city scene the horses had to appear different colours, bright vivid unnatural colours. And, to do this the special effects team did not just make the horses appear colourful they actually used Jell-O powder to literally turn the horses different colours.

7. Shirley Temple Was Almost Dorothy

Shirley Temple, the epitome of child stardom and beloved by audiences, was almost whisked away to the magical land of Oz as the iconic Dorothy. Imagine the excitement and anticipation if the curly-haired, dimpled darling had stepped into those ruby slippers at a mere 11 years old—a perfect age to embody the youthful innocence of the character.(Image Source/ realitywives)Shirley Temple was one of the front runners to becoming Dorothy. She was one of the few main people who were to play the main character. Temple was 11 years old at the time so it would have been perfect for the portrayal of Dorothy. But, the producers only reservations were that she did not have the vocal capacities of Judy Garland.

8. The Tin Man Makeup Caused Havoc

In the grand casting saga of The Wizard of Oz, the role of the Tin Man underwent a dramatic series of twists and turns. Buddy Ebsen, a prominent actor at the forefront for the part, seemed destined to don the metallic mantle of this iconic character.(Image Source/ Bryantpark)But, when they applied the aluminium dust to him he suffered a very serious allergic reaction which meant that he would be unable to play the part any longer. And so, Jack Haley took his place. They switched from aluminium powder to a paste. But Haley did not agree with he makeup either, it game him an eye infection. It wasn't as serious however, and he continued the role despite this.

9. Terry (Toto) Was Paid £125 Per Week

Terry, the charming Cairn Terrier behind the iconic role of Toto in The Wizard of Oz, was a four-legged superstar in her own right. Despite being a furry co-star, her contributions to the film were invaluable, earning her a salary that turned heads—125 pounds per week, a significant sum.(Image Source/ blogspot)Terry was a female Cairn Terrier who played the role of Toto. She was paid 125 pounds per week, which at the time was significant (especially for a dog and not a human actress) and it was also more than many of the actors playing the Munchkins received.

10. A Suicide

The enchanting world of The Wizard of Oz is filled with whimsy and wonder, but there's a dark and persistent rumor that has shrouded the film in mystery for years. Among the many tales surrounding the production, an unsettling rumor suggests a tragic incident...(Image Source/ thejudyroom)This is a very horrifying detail that not many people know about as they watch the film. However it is unsure if it is true. It has been rumoured that one of the Munchkins actually committed suicide on the set by hanging themselves. It is also rumoured that you can see shadow of the hanging in one of the scenes in the background.

11. Heavy Doll Makeup

Imagine the early days of filming for The Wizard of Oz, where the beloved Dorothy Gale, portrayed by Judy Garland, underwent a striking transformation—one that could have dramatically altered her iconic appearance. In a surprising turn of events, the initial vision for Dorothy took a stark departure...(Image Source/ Theindependent)At the start, when filming first started Judy Garland who played Dorothy was given a blonde wig and heavy makeup, kind of baby doll style. It's hard to imagine Dorothy looking like this now. However, director George Cukor decided that this look was not right and so the heavy makeup and unnatural hair was ditched.

12. Auntie Em Committed Suicide

Clara Blandick, the esteemed actress who brought the caring and steadfast Auntie Em to life in The Wizard of Oz, led a life marked by both on-screen warmth and off-screen struggles. Behind the scenes of her celebrated career lay a tragic tale that remains lesser-known to many fans.(Image Source/ 11points)Clara Blandick in The Wizard of Oz played the great role of Auntie Em, who we all grew to know and love. Sadly, what many people don't know is that in 1962 she committed suicide. Her health was failing her and she could not take it any longer. She left behind a suicide note. The first line of the note read: “I am now about to make the great adventure.”

13. The Wicked Witch’s Makeup Was Toxic

The captivating allure of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz came with an unexpected and hazardous twist behind the scenes—the toxic nature of the makeup donned by the actress portraying her, Margaret Hamilton, the iconic green hue that defined the witch's appearance.(Image Source/ USAtoday)The makeup for the Wicked Witch (the green makeup) was actually toxic. The actress who played The Wicked Witch was called Margaret Hamilton and she had to go to great lengths to avoid ingesting it. In fact, she stayed on a liquid diet during filming to avoid this. The copper ingredients which turned the makeup green resided for weeks on her skin so that she looked green for weeks after filming.

14. Judy Garland Had A Slap Across the Face

Filming isn't always as serious as it seems, especially on the set of a movie like The Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland, known for her infectious laughter and bubbly personality, found herself in a bit of a pickle during the scene where Dorothy delivers a slap to the Cowardly Lion.(Image Source/ theaceblackblog)While Judy Garland was filming the scene where she slaps the cowardly lion, she had a fit of uncontrollable laughter which she could not stop. So, Victor Fleming took her to one side and slapped her in the face completely out of the blue before they were about to do another take of the scene.

15. Wicked Witch Was Severely Burned

Margaret Hamilton, the actress behind the menacing portrayal of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, faced more than just the challenges of toxic makeup during the filming. The arduous journey to bring the witch to life included a frightening and painful incident.(Image Source/ glamourdaze)The Wicked Witch was in for a rough ride, not only on screen but also during the filming. Not only did she have to deal with toxic green makeup, she also was severely burned during filming. The scene they were filming at the time was the moment she disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

16. A Lot Of People Were Involved

The making of The Wizard of Oz was a monumental undertaking, a testament to the creativity, innovation, and perseverance of the filmmakers striving to bring a fantastical world to life long before the era of advanced digital effects.(Image Source/ movieparadise)After all, it's all about magic and creatures that don't exist. Nowadays, we have technology and we can easily apply special effects. Back then things took a lot more time and effort. The whole production of The Wizard Of Oz took five directors and fourteen writers.

17. The Green Brick Road

Ah, the trials and tribulations of bringing the yellow brick road to vibrant life! The challenges faced during the production of The Wizard of Oz extended even to something as seemingly straightforward as painting the iconic path that guided Dorothy and her companions through the fantastical world of Oz.(Image Source/ thefilmstage)When production first painted the yellow brick road, it appeared on the screen somehow as green. And, the green brick road was not something that the producers wanted to stick with. So, they had to get new industrial yellow paint that actually showed on screen as the same colour it is in the tin. Thankfully, this time it did.

18. The Costume Frightened The Workers

The transformative power of costumes in The Wizard of Oz was so potent that they transcended mere attire, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The genius of the costume designers brought to life the iconic characters of The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Cowardly Lion.(Image Source/ ebay.com)Credit to the costume designers, they did their job well enough that the costumes actually scared people. The diners in the MGM cafeteria were actually scared by the costumes of The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Cowardly Lion. Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley all ate their lunch in the dressing room to avoid frightening people. They would also spend their break times there too for the same reason.

19. Over The Rainbow Was Almost Cut

"Over the Rainbow," a timeless melody that transcends the confines of cinema, has etched itself into the fabric of musical history. Its hauntingly beautiful notes, coupled with Judy Garland's emotive delivery, have made it an anthem of hope and yearning, resonating far beyond the confines of The Wizard of Oz.(Image Source/ columbiauniveristy)The song Over The Rainbow is one of the most famous and recognisable songs of all time. Even without watching The Wizard Of Oz, Over The Rainbow has become an iconic song in its own right. The producers of the film thought that it made the film too long and so they suggested it was cut. Thankfully, in the end the decision was made to keep it in.

20. Tin Man's Chocolate Oil

The quest for authenticity on the set of The Wizard of Oz led to some unexpected and delectable solutions, particularly in the case of the Tin Man's iconic oil can. The initial choice of using real oil to lubricate the Tin Man's joints seemed like the obvious route...(Image Source/ columbiauniveristy)When filming the movie, the Tin Man's oil was actually made from chocolate sauce. At first, they tried real oil but it would not show up on screen enough to look substantial. So, in the end they opted for chocolate sauce because it showed up in consistency and colour.

21. 3210 costumes

The monumental effort poured into every facet of The Wizard of Oz speaks volumes about the commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined this cinematic masterpiece. From the mesmerizing special effects to the meticulous costume design, no stone was left unturned.(Image Source/ blogspot)We know that a LOT of effort went into the making of this film, in every aspect. Whether that is special effects or filming, or costume design - there was no area that cut corners. And, perhaps due to this fact it was one of the most successful films and still is to this very day. There were actually 3120 costumes made in total for The Wizard Of Oz.

22. Incorrect Pythagorean Theorem

Ah, the intriguing world of mathematics finding its way into the whimsical land of Oz! Indeed, for those with an astute eye or a penchant for mathematical precision, an interesting and often overlooked tidbit emerges in The Wizard of Oz—the mention of the Pythagorean Theorem, albeit with a slight inaccuracy.(Image Source/ blogspot)Not many people will have known that in the film Pythagorean Theorem is quoted incorrectly. Unless you are a whizz at maths or you take extra notice of every detail then this probably passed you by. The Tin Man actually states Pythagorean Theorem incorrectly in the film.

23. A Recognisable Voice

The fierce yet friendly rivalry between film studios often sparks fascinating connections and unexpected intersections in cinematic history. The tale of The Wizard of Oz's quest for success akin to Disney's Snow White holds its own unique charm, revealing intriguing parallels and hidden ties.(Image Source/ missiontolearn)Producers actually wanted to make The Wizard Of Oz even more successful than Disney's Snow White. But the connections between the two don't end there. The girl who speaks inside the Tin Man's voice is actually the voice of Disney's Snow White. We hear the voice during the song 'If I Only Had a Heart'. The lady behind the voice is named Adriana Caselotti.

24. Asbestos Snow

Back in the days of The Wizard of Oz, the perception of certain materials was vastly different from our current understanding. The scene featuring the mesmerizing poppy fields, with their enchanting and seemingly ethereal snowfall, harbors an unexpected and somewhat concerning secret...(Image Source/ blogspot)When dealing with asbestos, someone has to be specially trained and equipped because it is that dangerous. However, at the time this was not yet known. And, the snow that we see on the poppy field scene is actually created using Asbestos.

25. The Wicked Witch Was Too Frightening

The perception of what constituted 'frightening' or 'appropriate' for children in films during the era of The Wizard of Oz was notably different from contemporary standards. The Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed with sinister prowess by Margaret Hamilton, struck a particularly menacing figure.(Image Source/ blogspot)Back in the day of The Wizard Of Oz, people were less exposed to horror as we are now. Back then the Wicked Witch was seen as way too frightening for children, so that many of the scenes had to either be completely cut out or shortened. This was so that the film would not be considered as too frightening for children to watch.

26. Dorothy's Dress Was Pink

When we picture Dorothy, we picture her with ruby red slippers and a blue and white gingham dress. This is because it's what we see on screen. Yet, the blue and white dress was not actually as it appeared. In real life it was blue and pink gingham.(Image Source/ fanpop)But, because of the technicolor in those days, true white would not show very well on the screen. There were discrepancies between what the colours in real life and how they showed up on screen. And so, to make it look white as it should be, they in fact used pink. This way, it would show up substantially white on the film.

27. It Had Great Reviews

The anticipation surrounding the release of The Wizard of Oz was immense, and it's no surprise that the film garnered widespread attention and enthusiastic reviews upon its debut. The New York Times, in particular, captured the essence of the film's enchanting appeal with a colorful and jovial review.(Image Source/ wordpress.com)The Wizard Of Oz when it came out was so highly anticipated and everybody was watching, so of course it got a lot of attention and reviews.  The New York Times write that: “It is all so well-intentioned, so genial and so gay that any reviewer who would look down his nose at the fun-making should be spanked and sent off, supperless, to bed.”

28. Several Scenes Were Cut

In the intricate process of filmmaking, editing often becomes a critical step to streamline the narrative, ensuring the final product aligns with desired runtime and storytelling coherence. The Wizard of Oz, like many cinematic endeavors, underwent a meticulous editing process to refine its storytelling and pacing.(Image Source/ wonderwall)As in any film, several scenes from the movie have to be cut at the end of the process to shorten it to an acceptable amount of time. The original film, before it was cut was 120 minutes long. At one point the Tin Man turned into a human beehive. This was completely cut out and so nobody will ever get to see this footage sadly.

29. Dorothy's Hair Changes

Indeed, the subtle inconsistencies in Dorothy's hair length throughout The Wizard of Oz might not escape the keen eyes of attentive viewers or dedicated fans who have delved into the film's nuances. Dorothy's hairstyle, an iconic part of her character, occasionally appears to fluctuate in length.(Image Source/ leighvalleylive)If you have really scrutinised or just paid very close attention (or watched it a thousand times) you may have noticed that Dorothy's hair changes throughout the film. Sometimes it looks longer, sometimes it appears to be shorter in certain scenes. This is because of scenes that had to be taken again and because of changes in her look that were made throughout the film.

30. 124 Munchkins

The Munchkins, with their vibrant and memorable presence in The Wizard of Oz, added a delightful and essential dimension to the film's enchanting world. Their collective role, although not individually highlighted, was pivotal in creating the whimsical atmosphere of Oz.(Image Source/ Oscarchamps)There were 124 Munchkins cast for the film. As we see in the scenes, there are a lot of Munchkins in the scenes and that were necessary for the filming of The Wizard Of Oz. They are the most numerous of all the characters. The Munchkins were crucial to the film. Today, sadly only two of the 124 Munchkins in The Wizard Of Oz are alive today.

31. The Iconic Line

It's fascinating how certain phrases can become ingrained in popular culture despite never actually being uttered in the original source material. The misquotation of "Fly, my pretties, fly" attributed to the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz has indeed become a part of the collective consciousness surrounding the film.(Image Source/ alcohollywood)It has become a famously quoted quote in the film - "Fly, my pretties, fly." And, it's said to have come from the Wicked Witch of the West. But, this iconic quote does not actually even exist. What she really says is 'fly, fly, fly'. It's unusual that a highly quoted film and one that everybody recognises is not even in the film at all - it's been totally misquoted.

32. You Can Visit the Red Slippers

The allure of the iconic ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz continues to captivate audiences even decades after their cinematic debut. These legendary shoes, donned by Judy Garland's Dorothy, hold a place of honor and fascination in cinematic history.(Image Source/ internationalbusinessinsider)Who doesn't want to see the most infamous ruby red slippers of all time? A pair of shoes that Judy Garland wore to create a masterpiece. You can now visit them in the Smithsonian. They are, of course, surrounded by red carpet. And, it's had to be replaced three times already because there are that many visitors to see it that the footfall has worn the carpet.

33. The Stolen Slippers Were Found

We previously discussed how some of the ruby slippers had actually been stolen. And this was not taken lightly at all. These were precious artefacts. There was a 13 year hunt to find them and an undercover FBI mission taking place in Minneapolis.(Image Source/ obsev)They were finally found, but the perpetrator clearly not because no arrests were made. They were asking for information on the 2005 crime. Thankfully however, the red slippers were found after all - which means all the better for you going to visit them!

34. The Tinman Was Originally the Scarecrow

The world of filmmaking often sees actors swapping roles before the cameras start rolling. In the case of The Wizard of Oz, Buddy Ebsen initially secured the role of the Scarecrow, one of the beloved characters journeying alongside Dorothy through the whimsical land of Oz.(Image Source/ hero.wikia)Imagine of the Tin Man was the Scarecrow? Well it nearly happened. Buddy Ebsen was in fact the guy who was originally cast for the role of the Scarecrow. But later on he swapped his role with Ray Bolger's role. This exchange of roles among actors is a fascinating glimpse into the fluidity of casting decisions and the evolving dynamics during the pre-production phase of a film.

35. An Activist Group Was Created

The formation of advocacy groups often emerges from unique and sometimes unexpected catalysts. In the case of The Wizard of Oz, the assembly of a significant number of individuals cast as Munchkins sparked a moment that would eventually lead to the establishment of an influential advocacy group.(Image Source/ obsev)An activist group was created because of the Munchkins. Because there were so many people playing the role of the Munchkins, the gathering crowd inspired an activist group. At the time it was called the Midgets of America advocacy group but it is now known as Little People of America.

36. There Are Lots of Book/Film Differences

The transition from book to film often entails a transformation that results in numerous differences between the two mediums. The Wizard of Oz, a classic literary work by L. Frank Baum, underwent a notable adaptation when brought to the silver screen.(Image source/ incepop.com)As with any book and film, the film can never be a true representation or replica of the book. In The Wizard of Oz, there are around 44 major differences. Although this is significant, it is certainly not unusual for this to happen; The Wizard of Oz is no exception.

37. Only Two Munchkins Spoke

The captivating world of Munchkinland in The Wizard of Oz was brought to life by a vibrant ensemble of performers, predominantly individuals of shorter stature who formed the bulk of the cast. However, despite their significant presence on screen, only a couple of the Munchkins had their own voices.(Image source/ Youtube.com)Considering there were so many Munchkins, it is surprising to find out that actually only two of them really spoke. And, you may be questioning this because more than two munchkins speak in the film. However, professional voice actors and singers were dubbed for the rest of the time. Despite being the majority of the cast, the Munchkins were given the least acting to do.

38. MGM Paid Frank Baum $75,000

MGM really wanted the film rights to Frank Baum's film. They were very eager to produce the film and knew how great it would be. But first, they had to pay him for the rights of the film. And so, they paid him 75,000.(Image source/ frenchtoastsunday.com)Which, in comparison to films in today's world seems very insignificant and doesn't seem like much. But, this was massive money back then and a tribute to just how great Baum's novel was. And, to how much they wanted it. And it's understandable why!

39.  Nominee For 6 Awards

The Wizard of Oz was a breakthrough film. For one, it's special effects and use of colour were like none other at this point in time. And, the acting and the story line and everything about it made it an immediate hit.(Image source/ evanerichards.com)People had seen nothing quite like it before. So, it was nominated for 6 academy awards. But, unfortunately it did lose the Best Picture award to Gone With the Wind. However, it was still a very impressive feat.

40. The Original Film Was Viewed Once

We learned in an earlier point that the original Wizard of Oz film was 120 minutes. This was cut down because it was thought to be too long. Yet, it was actually viewed one time before, by a theatrical audience.(Image source/bodybuilding.com)This lucky audience were the only people that ever got to see the real uncut version of The Wizard of Oz. Now that's certainly a claim to fame. Unfortunately it's too late for a release of the extended version... But that created a happy memory for a lot of people!

41. It Was All A Studio Set

Absolutely! The Wizard of Oz is renowned for its breathtaking studio sets, which were meticulously crafted to bring the fantastical world of Oz to life. Unlike many films that employ a blend of real-world locations and studio sets, this cinematic masterpiece predominantly relied on elaborate studio backdrops.(Image source/ Youtube.com)The Wizard of Oz was shot solely on a studio set. Apart from one scene, which was a shot of the clouds in the sky in the opening credits. Most films use a combination of real location sets aswell as studio sets. The decision to shoot predominantly on studio sets rather than utilizing real-world locations was a deliberate creative choice

42. Apple Juice Fire

Movie magic often relies on creative solutions to bring scenes to life, and The Wizard of Oz was no exception. The iconic moment where the Wicked Witch tries to remove Dorothy's ruby slippers, leading to a fiery effect, cleverly utilized unconventional materials to create the illusion of flames.

(Image Source/ flavourwire)

The secrets of The Wizard of Oz are truly spilling out. Remember the scene when the witch tries pulling off Dorothy's ruby slippers and the fire starts? Well, this was by no means real fire. It was actually apple juice. By speeding up the footage it somehow makes the effect of the apple juice look like a real fire. Chocolate oil, apple juice fire...we've heard it all.

43. The Wicked Witch’s Death Certificate

The Wizard of Oz, a beloved tale cherished by audiences worldwide, owes its existence to the creative genius of L. Frank Baum, the visionary mind behind the original novel. Baum's profound imagination birthed the enchanting world of Oz, laying the foundation for the enduring legacy.(Image source/ upmoments.com)In the movie, the Wicked Witch’s death certificate is dated May, 6 1938. This was actually the day Frank Baum died. The creator of the novel and the person whom without him, there would be no story or film. This touching homage serves as a reverent acknowledgment of Baum's pivotal role in creating the fantastical universe of Oz.

44. The Dress is For Sale

Are there any more iconic dresses that Dorothy's? We don't think so. This dress would be recognised globally. But, what we didn't realise is that you can actually get your hands on it. I mean, you'd have to have a spare lot of dollars...(Image source/ fanpop.com)$350,000-$500,00 dollars because that's what it's worth! But it is actually for sale. Of course, only someone with extreme wealth could buy it and so it has not yet been purchased. So, it won't be something that's our next fancy dress option.

45. More Than 100 Dogs Auditioned

Finding the perfect Toto for The Wizard of Oz was indeed a meticulous and extensive process that involved numerous canine hopefuls vying for the iconic role. While casting humans for roles in a film demands its own set of considerations, selecting a dog actor poses its unique challenges.(Image source/ dgpforpets.com)Toto was not always Toto, there was some serious casting that occurred. The same process for the characters who are human, or even perhaps more stringent. After all, having a dog on set can throw up a series of problems if they aren't potty trained or do not listen to any kind of instructions.

46. The Wicked Witch Was A Kindergarten Teacher

It's fascinating how an actor's role on-screen can sharply contrast with their off-screen persona and professional life. Margaret Hamilton, the actress who portrayed the formidable Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, led a career that juxtaposed her iconic portrayal on screen.(Image source/ factinate.com)Who'd have thought that the Wicked Witch of the West would actually be a Kindergarten teacher. Especially since she was told during filming that sometimes she was too scary. And, her scenes often had to be cut because the effect on children would be too terrifying.

47. It's the Second Wizard of Oz

Long before the iconic 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz graced the silver screen, there was indeed an earlier adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved tale. In 1925, a silent film adaptation titled "The Wizard of Oz" emerged, bringing the magical world of Oz to audiences in the era of silent cinema.(Image source/ historytoday.com)Not many people know this at all. The fact that The Wizard of Oz is not the only and original Wizard of Oz to ever be made is a surprise to most people. But, in 1925 a silent film called The Wizard of Oz was created. Despite the silent film's differences in storytelling techniques and visual presentation compared to its more famous successor, both adaptations contributed to the enduring legacy.

48. It Took 26 Weeks To Film

Filming schedules in the movie industry can sometimes be unpredictable, and the timeline for The Wizard of Oz was no exception. Bert Lahr, the talented actor who brought the Cowardly Lion to life, found himself in an unforeseen situation regarding the duration of filming.(Image source/ clickamerica.com)It was revealed that the film took 26 weeks to film. Bert Lahr who played the lion did not think that filming would last very long at all. His contract lasted five weeks and so he naturally assumed that it would only take around this amount of time to film.

49. It Cost 3 Million

The production cost of The Wizard of Oz, estimated at approximately 2.77 million dollars during its creation, reflected MGM's steadfast commitment to bringing L. Frank Baum's enchanting tale to life with utmost quality and grandeur.(Image source/ historytoday.com)It has been estimated that MGM spent around 2.77 million dollars to create the movie. MGM were totally set on making this film and making it well. The price back then equals roughly to around 50 million dollars today.

50. It Didn't Profit For 20 Years

The financial success of a film, especially one that involves significant investment like The Wizard of Oz, can be a complex and unpredictable aspect of the movie-making process. In the case of this beloved classic, despite the substantial budget allocated to its production, it didn't immediately generate profits.(Image source/ historytoday.com)Nobody knows whether anyone who had created the film has foreseen that they would not make almost immediate profit. I guess, when that amount of money goes into a film you realise that it will take a while to start making profit once it has been earned back.