Release: 1939-08-15
Runtime: 1h 42m (102 minutes)
Young Dorothy finds herself in a magical world where she makes friends with a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man as they make their way along the yellow brick road to talk with the Wizard and ask for the things they miss most in their lives. The Wicked Witch of the West is the only thing that could stop them.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Cast: Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Buddy Ebsen, more
Judy Garland
as Dorothy Gale
Bert Lahr
as "Zeke" / Cowardly Lion
Buddy Ebsen
as Tin Man (singing voice) (uncredited)
Frank Morgan
as Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz
Clara Blandick
as Auntie Em
Ray Bolger
as "Hunk" / Scarecrow
Margaret Hamilton
as Miss Gulch / Wicked Witch of the West
Angelo Rossitto
as Munchkin Villager (uncredited)
Adriana Caselotti
as Juliet (voice) (uncredited)
Jack Haley
as "Hickory" / Tin Man
Billy Bletcher
as Mayor / Lollipop Guild Member (voice) (uncredited)
Pinto Colvig
as Munchkins (voice) (uncredited)
Young Dorothy finds herself in a magical world where she makes friends with a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man as they make their way along the yellow brick road to talk with the Wizard and ask for the things they miss most in their lives. The Wicked Witch of the West is the only thing that could stop them.
Gaiety! Glory! Glamour!
The Wizard of Oz is a classic American musical fantasy film released on 10 August 1939, produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). This film is based on the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The film was directed by Victor Fleming, who took over after departing from the troubled production of Gone with the Wind. It features a talented cast, including Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton.
The film follows the journey of a young girl named Dorothy Gale, who lives on a farm in Kansas with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. One day, after a run-in with a cranky neighbor, Dorothy and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. Upon her arrival, Dorothy discovers she has accidentally killed the Wicked Witch of the East by landing her house on her. Celebrated by the Munchkins, Dorothy learns from the Good Witch, Glinda, that she must follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to seek help from the Wizard of Oz to return home.
Along her journey, Dorothy meets several memorable characters: the Scarecrow, who desires a brain; the Tin Man, longing for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, seeking courage. Together, they confront the Wicked Witch of the West, who vows to take revenge on Dorothy for her sister's death. After many adventures, including a daring rescue from the witch's castle, Dorothy and her friends manage to defeat the Wicked Witch.
In the end, Dorothy finds out that she had the power to return home all along, using her magical ruby slippers. The film concludes with her awakening in her bed back in Kansas. Overjoyed, she realizes that there's no place like home.
The Wizard of Oz is renowned for its pioneering use of Technicolor, enchanting storytelling, and unforgettable musical numbers, including the iconic song "Over the Rainbow," which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film received a total of five Academy Award nominations, winning two, and has since become one of the most cherished films in cinematic history.
Despite its initial mixed financial success at the box office, The Wizard of Oz gained immense popularity after its television debut in 1956. It is now regarded as the most-watched film in movie history, with the Library of Congress selecting it for preservation as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Over the years, it has inspired countless adaptations, stage productions, and cultural references, securing its place as a beloved classic.
Today, the film serves as a nostalgic reminder of childhood wonder and the importance of home. It continues to enchant audiences of all ages, making it a timeless piece of American cinema.
