Film of the Month: 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)

Everyone is introduced to old Hollywood one way or another. One of the most famous classic movies is 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939) with Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Charlie Grapewin and Clara Blandick. Should it be the classic gingham dress, the tiny munchkins, or the iconic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" tune, there sure is something special to be remembered about this film!

SPOILERS AHEAD

The beginning of the film starts off in sepia tone (black-and-white), where are introduced to Dorothy's family in Kansas. She lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, the three farmhands and her dog Toto. Dorothy feels neglected by her family, and abused by her neighbour, Miss Gulch. At this point, she sings her iconic song _ "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Sadly, reality catches up with her when Miss Gulch arrives with a Sheriff's order to kill Toto. After Toto escapes the hands of Miss Gulch, he finds his way back to Dorothy, and the two decide to run away. Not long after, they find a man who is able to convince Dorothy to go back home. Despite running back to her family, a twister knocks Dorothy unconscious, and she is blown away with her house. Oddly enough, her wish of finding a place comes true when she realises she is in a land called Oz (the Technicolor is now used). A woman (Glinda) comes floating down in a bubble, and Dorothy is certain she isn't home. Upon learning that her house killed an evil witch, a second evil witch comes along, swearing revenge on Dorothy. After realising how much danger she is in, she wishes to go home. She ends up following the yellow brick road to find the Wizard of Oz, who can send her home. Along the way, she meets a brainless scarecrow, a heartless tin man and a cowardly lion. They also want to seek help from the Wizard, so they accompany Dorothy on her journey to the Wizard. At the Emerald City, they find the Wizard, but need to get the Wicked Witch's broomstick to have their wishes granted. This ultimately leads to the Witch being melted by Dorothy ("I'm melting!"). When they go back to show the Wizard the broomstick, they are disappointed to learn that the Wizard is a fake. Luckily, he is able to manipulate Dorothy's friends into thinking they received their wishes, but he can not trick Dorothy. After offering to take Dorothy home in a hot air balloon, the balloon flies away, leaving Dorothy stranded in Oz. To her fortune, the good witch shows up and helps Dorothy get home. To her shock, everything was a dream, though she now has more love for her home life.

SPOILERS END HERE

This is my favourite film I've ever seen! The use of black-and-white and colour to show the two different worlds is amazing, and I love how most characters have a Kansas counterpart (the Wicked Witch has Miss Gulch, the Wizard has Professor Marvel etc.). My favourite character would be Glinda because she teaches Dorothy an important lesson about appreciating what you already have (let's just ignore the theory that she's evil and the SNL version).

I would most definitely recommend this film to anyone! I can see how it made Judy Garland a star!