“THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 2” - 4/28/2025 (085)

From Beneath the Hollywood Sign

EPISODE 85 - “THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 2” - 4/28/2025

There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home! As we continue our discussion of the making of “The Wizard of Oz,” this week we explore the score, the songs, the vocals, the transition to television, and some of the many urban legends that surround this classic film. (No, a Munchkin did not hang himself from one of the evil apple trees!) So follow that yellow brick road and check out the fun facts and behind the scene antics of one of America’s most favorite films.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Adapting The Wizard of Oz: Musical Versions From Baum to MGM and Beyond (2019), by Danielle Burkett & Dominic McHugh;

The Wizard of Oz FAQ: All that’s Left to Know About Life According to Oz (2014), by David J. Hogan;

Before The Rainbow (2000), by Mark Evan Schwartz;

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Harold Arlen (1999) Documentary, Dir. Don McGlynn;

The Munchkins of Oz (1996), by Stephen Coz;

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic (1990) Documentary, Dir. Jack Haley, Jr;

The Making of The Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM -- and the Miracle of Production (1989), by Aljean Harmetz;

“The Comedians of Oz,” Winter 1986-87, by Celia Catlett Anderson, Studies in American Humor;

The Wizard of Oz: An American Fairy Tale, Library of Congress

Wizard Of Oz Scarecrow Dance (Deleted Scene), InternetArchive.org

Harold Arlen: Happy with the Blues (1961), by Edward Jablonski;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

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