This is one of the most watched and recognisable films of all-time. And 16-year old Judy Garland's performance as Dorothy is one of the most recognisable film characters of all-time. And as over-the-top as her character sometimes is, Garland is perfect. There isn't a hint of artifice to be found in her performance. Among the film's lasting qualities, is possibly the most remarkable Oscar winning song in "Over the Rainbow", a delightful musical score, and a heart that is undeniable over 60 years since its release.
Garland is Dorothy, a kindhearted girl living with her aunt and uncle. She decides to run away from home one day, because neighbourhood snob Miss Gulch has threatened to have her dog Toto 'destroyed'. An encounter with a travelling 'fortune-teller' switches her mind, and as she is about to return home, a twister brews up. She goes home to find the house empty, as her family had already retired to the storm shelter. She is hit on the head by a piece of window glass, blown free by the wind gusts, and awakes to find herself in a place that she realises is 'not Kansas anymore'.
Out comes Glinda, the 'good witch' who tells Dorothy that she must visit the Wizard of Oz if she wants to find her way back home. So off Dorothy goes, following 'the yellow brick road' on her way to Oz, making the acquaintance of a few other friends who accompany her on journey. Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion all eventually join her on her quest, all the while trying to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West who seems to have an obsession with Dorothy's red shoes. They know that all they have to do is make it to Oz, and everything will be alright. But when they arrive, things aren't exactly as they had imagined...
I don't think there's a song in this movie that nearly everyone couldn't recognise, from the beautiful "Over the Rainbow", to "Follow the Yellow Brick Road", and the 3 "If I Only Had a... [Brain, Heart, Nerve]" verses. This film's music is arguably the most memorable ever composed for a film.
As I've already raved, Garland's performance as Dorothy is underrated. I feel she gives a spot-on performance, and is sometimes underappreciated because of all the other things this film has going for it. All the other performances are fine, most notably by Ray Bolger, Jack Haley and Bert Lahr as Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, and Margaret Hamilton and Frank Morgan as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Wizard of Oz, respectively. But to me it's Garland who truly shines.
I don't think there is a more recognisable film on the planet than The Wizard of Oz. Part of it has to do with the fact that for generations, parents introduced this film to their kids at an early age. I know for me, a lot of the appreciation is tied to the fact that it always seems to take me back to my childhood. Whatever the case is, my list would not be complete without this entry. Featuring state-of-the-art special effects for its time, and some pretty funky set design, this visit to Oz is in one word: magical.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Garland is Dorothy, a kindhearted girl living with her aunt and uncle. She decides to run away from home one day, because neighbourhood snob Miss Gulch has threatened to have her dog Toto 'destroyed'. An encounter with a travelling 'fortune-teller' switches her mind, and as she is about to return home, a twister brews up. She goes home to find the house empty, as her family had already retired to the storm shelter. She is hit on the head by a piece of window glass, blown free by the wind gusts, and awakes to find herself in a place that she realises is 'not Kansas anymore'.
Out comes Glinda, the 'good witch' who tells Dorothy that she must visit the Wizard of Oz if she wants to find her way back home. So off Dorothy goes, following 'the yellow brick road' on her way to Oz, making the acquaintance of a few other friends who accompany her on journey. Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion all eventually join her on her quest, all the while trying to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West who seems to have an obsession with Dorothy's red shoes. They know that all they have to do is make it to Oz, and everything will be alright. But when they arrive, things aren't exactly as they had imagined...
I don't think there's a song in this movie that nearly everyone couldn't recognise, from the beautiful "Over the Rainbow", to "Follow the Yellow Brick Road", and the 3 "If I Only Had a... [Brain, Heart, Nerve]" verses. This film's music is arguably the most memorable ever composed for a film.
As I've already raved, Garland's performance as Dorothy is underrated. I feel she gives a spot-on performance, and is sometimes underappreciated because of all the other things this film has going for it. All the other performances are fine, most notably by Ray Bolger, Jack Haley and Bert Lahr as Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, and Margaret Hamilton and Frank Morgan as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Wizard of Oz, respectively. But to me it's Garland who truly shines.
I don't think there is a more recognisable film on the planet than The Wizard of Oz. Part of it has to do with the fact that for generations, parents introduced this film to their kids at an early age. I know for me, a lot of the appreciation is tied to the fact that it always seems to take me back to my childhood. Whatever the case is, my list would not be complete without this entry. Featuring state-of-the-art special effects for its time, and some pretty funky set design, this visit to Oz is in one word: magical.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
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