Big Chuck Retro Review: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

Almost perfect!

The Wizard of Oz debuted on this day in 1939.  It has, of course, become one of the most popular America films of all time.  Millions of words have been written about this classic film, so what can I add?

Well, I would like to say something about the casting.  Like I said, almost perfect.

Can anybody name another movie that Ray Bolger, Jack Haley or Bert Lahr were in?  Probably not.  No, they did not go on to major Hollywood stardom.  They were defined in their precise casting as the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion of the Wizard of Oz.

Judy Garland seems a little to old for the portrayal of the farm girl Dorothy.  I am not the only one who said this.  Movie reviewers and critics also said this.  She just seems a little, well, ill-suited for the blue and white checkered jumper, pigtails etc.  Still, by the end of the film it is hard to imagine anyone else in the role.

The always excellent stalwart Frank Morgan is all over this film.  He is the guard who "had an Auntie Em himself," he is the country doctor who stops by the Gale farm, he is the Wizard himself, he drives the "horse of a different color," and more.  He is superb.

And of course Margaret Hamilton portrays Hollywood's once and forever evil witch.  Her performance is one of the ages.

So, Happy Birthday to the "Wizard of Oz."  The "almost perfect" movie!