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| By MGM [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons |
I am very excited to say that today's history feature concerns one of my favorite things of all time. I am a big-time Judy Garland fan--even to this day. I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz, and I read several biographies on Judy Garland. I can't remember how many films of hers that I have seen, but it has been plenty. And it was on this date in 1939 that this film premiered in Hollywood at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater.
Over the years, I have learned so much about this film. I can tell you that originally Shirley Temple was wanted for the role, but in the end, the teen-aged Judy Garland played the part (much to Louis B. Mayer's chagrin). They almost cut her signature song "Over the Rainbow." Buddy Ebsen was supposed to play the Tin Man, but he had an allergic reaction to the make-up. I know much has been written concerning the midgets that were used, but I have learned that it is an urban myth that you can see a midget who hanged himself in one of the shots.
This movie still rates as a masterpiece, and it is one that my daughter and I both enjoy watching. And you can find a lot of information at the following sites:
http://web.archive.org/web/20071114114015/http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/6396/timeline.htm
The Wizard of Oz is my absolute favorite movie! I just watched it with my kids for (their) first time. They loved it :) I'm glad you cleared up the rumor about the hanging...I have always wondered about that!
ReplyDeleteOn my annual viewing list!
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