Review of The Wizard of Oz (1939) by Loren J — 24 Mar 2013

Having just read L. Frank Baum's book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and subsequently watching the classic 1939 MGM film, I thought I'd do a review of the movie.

First of all, let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed Baum's book and I can see why it is a classic and the source of so many adaptations. That said, the 1939 film really takes this source material to a new level. The problem with Baum's book is that it is a series of episodes that, on its own in written form weaves a magical tale. But, if one imagines the story filmed exactly as is, I believe you'd see a rather slow and, at times, cumbersome film. The writers and filmmakers of "The Wizard of Oz" take the best of Baum's original work and create a narrative that has drama and intrigue.

Whereas in the book the Wicked Witch of the West really only appears in a few chapters and is really only a threat to the Wizard, the movie creates a real enemy for not only the people of Oz, but for Dorothy and Company. She appears throughout the film constantly watching and trying to foil Dorothy's attempt to get to the Wizard. One of the best examples of a change from the book is that it's the Wicked Witch who casts a spell on the poppies to make Dorothy and the Lion fall asleep. Glinda, who's also monitoring the situation, gives them a little help, allowing them to escape. In the book, Dorothy and the Lion fall asleep because that's what poppies do and they end up getting rescued by a bunch of field mice. While its fun to read about the field mice, in a film situation, it is much more compelling to see this little bout between good versus evil.

Another big change that the film makes from the book is connecting Kansas to Oz. Several of the characters Dorothy meets are based on the people in her life. She is protected in Oz by the same people who help protect her as farm hands on Uncle Henry's and Auntie Em's farm. And, moreso, she is threatened by somebody who suspiciously looks like the Wicked Witch of the West. It's a brilliant storytelling device.

Finally, one cannot fail to mention all the classic music involved. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is not only one of the most memorable songs of not only the film, but of all time. The songs are very much characters in the film that also help move the story along in a way that is fun and capture the spirit of Oz.

I've always loved this film, but, after having read the book, it really makes me appreciate the film in a much greater way than I have before.