Overview
Although Oz creator L. Frank Baum died twenty years prior to the release of MGM’s celebrated film, his fascinating career and story, as told in this new book, will surprise even the most devoted Oz fans. Prior to MGM’s 1939 release of the movie, Baum’s book was featured as a Broadway musical, with songs by the justifiably forgotten Fred R. Hamlin, and two bizarre silent movies. The enduring appeal and lasting influence of The Wizard of Oz are discussed in a special chapter by creator’s great-grandson Roger Baum.
The Wizard of Oz will lead the reader down the proverbial yellow brick road to discover:
The seven flawless decisions MGM made to adapt Baum’s sprawling children’s book into a movie musical.
The groundbreaking moviemaking techniques, MGM’s second full-length Technicolor film.
The surprising story behind Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg’s superlative score, which includes “Over the Rainbow,” considered the greatest movie song of all time.
How Judy Garland won “Dorothy,” her most enduring role, after 20th Century Fox refused to loan Shirley Temple to MGM.
The birth of film’s greatest canine star, Cairn Terrier, Terry, as Dorothy’s little dog “Toto”.
The many everyday Oz expressions that come from the most oft-quoted movie of all time
How the Wicked Witch of the West (renamed her Elphaba after Oz creator’s initials) was remade “for good” in Broadway’s Oz prequel Wicked.
This celebration of the iconic film is a must-have for all Wizard of Oz lovers.
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