LD59 - The Wizard of Oz (1939)

·1 hr 26 min·5 clips

Mike and Charlie dive into the 1939 classic 'The Wizard of Oz,' starting with a tense confrontation between Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West.

In this episode of Random Acts of Cinema, hosts Mike and Charlie review Victor Fleming's 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz,' selected from the Criterion Collection by their random number generator Randy. They begin with a dramatic reading of key lines from the Wicked Witch. Charlie introduces a political allegory interpretation, linking characters like Dorothy and the Scarecrow to turn-of-the-century American politics. The conversation shifts to a critique of 'Wicked,' with Mike expressing strong dislike and Charlie offering a more nuanced view. They discuss seeing 'Wicked' on stage and its upcoming film adaptation. The hosts explore the film's production history, including Judy Garland's drug addiction, Margaret Hamilton's burns, and the replacement of the original Tin Man due to an allergic reaction. They analyze iconic moments like the color reveal and the tornado scene, praising the matte paintings and special effects. Personal anecdotes include Charlie watching the film in 3D at Grauman's Chinese Theater and a college stop-motion film homage. The episode covers the film's songs, character accents, and its status as an American myth. They also touch on L. Frank Baum's controversial writings and the film's legacy as a gay icon. The hosts conclude with their favorite moments and minor criticisms, such as the Cowardly Lion's song.

As heard by us

A Wizard of Oz rewatch that traces the film's magic back to its hazardous, deeply collaborative production.

This PlayNext review follows Criterion Laserdisc number 59, Victor Fleming's The Wizard of Oz, into a production history where familiar fantasy is bound up with risk, improvisation, and shared labor.

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Why you'd press play

If The Wizard of Oz still looks effortless to you, press play for the machinery and mayhem underneath.

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