We're Off To Film The Wizard!

I know that Columbus landed in the New World on this date, but:

a) he didn’t “discover” anything since there were people already here…and
b) he wasn’t even first to land here (see Leif Erickson)

Movie buffs see this day as significant because “The Wizard Of Oz” began production on this date in 1938!

MGM had wanted Shirley Temple to play the role of Dorothy when Samuel Goldwyn bought the rights in 1934. However, by the late 30’s Temple’s star was fading fast—and a 17 year old by the name of Judy Garland landed the role. The lowest paid member of the cast, Garland earned a measly $500 a week. She did, however, earn a special Oscar that year for Best Juvenile Performer.

Here is the original trailer for the film:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-ZULpr8m5o

When released in 1939, some 15,000 people waited in line at Loew’s Capitol in New York for tickets. Garland actually performed on stage in the theatre with Mickey Rooney for several weeks.

Although panned by many critics, the public loved it. When it made its TV debut in 1956, an estimated 45 million people tuned in. “The Wizard Of Oz” is still one of the top selling movies on VHS and DVD-and in 1998, it ranked 6th in the American Film Institute’s poll of America’s 100 Greatest Movies.

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