Monday, June 10, 2013

Eight Fascinating Facts About "The Wizard of Oz"-- Part 2

4.  Scarecrow Ray Bolger was originally supposed to play the Tinman, but felt his rubbery dancing-style would better fit the Scarecrow.  Buddy Epsom "Beverly Hillbillies" was originally to play the Scarecrow but agreed to switch roles with Bolger.  After filming began, Epsom had a terrible allergic reaction to the Tinman's silver dust makeup and had to drop out of the movie.

5.  "Over the Rainbow" won for Oscar's Best Song and is on AFI's "100 Years 100 Songs list.  But, it was almost cut out of the final movie as MGM felt it was too slow.

6.  Dorothy's blue and white gingham dress recently sold for $480,000.

7.  Dorothy's ruby-crusted shoes are among the most sought-after movie items at auctions.  In 2000, one pair went at auction for $666,000.  The pair believed to have been the ones worn by Garland when she clicked three times to go home are owned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

8.  In L. Frank Baum's 1900 source novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," they were silver.  Filmmakers changed the color to take advantage of the new Technicolor process.  The ruby red provided a more striking contrast.

There You Have It.  --DaCoot

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