You know a film is an extreme success when it's still talked about decades after being produced, and will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
Just look at the beloved movie Miracle on 34th Street: It was created back in the 1940s and was such a success that TV stations continue to play it around the holidays each and every year.
And then there are the movies that are still watched year-round, like The Wizard of Oz — people just can never get enough of it! Maybe it's because even back when it was created 80 years ago, the technology was so advanced that it carved a new path within cinematography, being recognized for its image-enhancing Technicolor.
But there are several behind-the-scenes facts that many still don't know about the classic tale, so we've rounded up a bunch of juicy ones that even the most loyal fan may not know.
Did we miss one that would fit right into the bunch? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
Thumbnail sources: Wikipedia Commons, YouTube / WBMoviesOnline 1, 2
1. Dorothy And Scarecrow Were Supposed To Have A Love Connection
Earlier versions of the movie's script involved a love connection between Dorothy and Scarecrow, but that didn't end up making the finalized story line. Maybe that's why Dorothy says she's going to miss Scarecrow the most at the end of the film!
2. Jack Haley Was Not The Original Tin Man
Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man and actually went through the first 10 days of filming. But he fell tragically ill and was rushed to the hospital amid rumors that inhaling the aluminum powder slathered on him for the part may have been the cause. So when Jack Haley took over the part, they made sure to switch over to aluminum paste.
3. The Film Flopped In Theaters
This classic film is still talked about today, due to the fact that it's so loved, but that wasn't the case when it came out in theaters. For whatever reason, people didn't go out to see the movie, and so it raked in a mere $3 million dollars at the box office.
But it was television, in addition to a theatrical relaunch, that made The Wizard of Oz as big as it is today. The more people who saw the film, the more they realized the genius behind it, and the popularity just grew from there!
4. The Lion Costume Weighed Around 100 Pounds
Bert Lahr didn't have it easy playing Lion in the movie. During filming, he had to lug around a costume that weighed almost 100 pounds. But hey, if you did that, you'd at least not feel guilty about skipping the gym!
5. The Wicked Witch Was A Kindergarten Teacher
Before Margaret Hamilton took on the role of the evil Wicked Witch of the West, she actually had a profession quite opposite of what her character symbolized: she taught and took care of little children as a kindergarten teacher. Who would have thought?
6. The Slippers Were Originally Silver
As read in the original book, the slippers that played such a crucial role throughout the story line were actually silver. But when creating the film, the decision was made to make them a brighter hue in order to take advantage of Technicolor. And that's how the ruby-red slippers were conceived!
7. The Tornado Was Created Using A Muslin Stocking
The tornado that sparks the initial conflict within the film was actually created using a 35-foot-long muslin stocking. They spun it around and around with plenty of dirt, dust and wind involved to give it a disastrous look.
8. Margaret Hamilton Was Badly Burned During Filming
During the scene where the Wicked Witch of the West disappears in a cloud of smoke, Hamilton got severely burned from the fire created for the effects. Although Hamilton obviously continued in the role, she refused to do any scenes involving fire after that — and rightfully so.
9. Judy Garland Wanted To Keep The Dog Who Played Toto
Garland developed a very close bond with Terry, the female dog who played the part of Toto, and wanted to keep her as her own pet beyond the film. But that idea vanished when Terry's trainer turned down the request.
10. The Emerald City Horses Were Covered In Gelatin
The special-effects team decided to paint the horses of the Emerald City with bright gelatin mix in order to enhance their color. The only issue was that the horses constantly tried to lick off the sweet stuff, but the team managed to make the effects work anyhow!
11. They Coincidentally Used L. Frank Baum's Coat As A Costume
Frank Morgan (who played the Wizard and his counterpart, Professor Marvel) wore a tattered coat that was purchased at a secondhand store. Although some believe it couldn't have been a coincidence, the coat was inscribed with L. Frank Baum's name, the author of the Oz books.
12. 3,210 Costumes Were Made For The Movie
Although the number might make sense with the amount of actors and actresses they included in the film (all those Munchkins!), it's still crazy to think that thousands upon thousands of costumes were made for just one movie. But it sure did pay off!
13. The Wicked Witch's Death Certificate Marked L. Frank Baum's Death
The date of May 6, 1938, was depicted on the gravestone of the Wicked Witch of the West, a nod to the anniversary of L. Frank Baum's death (the author died on May 6, 1919).
Did we miss any jaw-dropping secrets about The Wizard of Oz? Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
