IMDb > The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Wizard of Oz
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The Wizard of Oz (1939) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 97 | slideshow) Videos (see all 13)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) -- AFI's 10 Top 10 - The 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres
The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- Clip from The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- Promo clip reviewing features and specs for the Ultimate Collector's Edition release.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- Trailer for the 70th anniversary of this beloved classic now with bonus features
The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- MyMovieScripts.com - Trailer (Flash)

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Overview

User Rating:
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 12% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Noel Langley (screenplay) and
Florence Ryerson (screenplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Wizard of Oz on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
25 August 1939 (USA) more
Tagline:
"The Wizard" Musical Returns By Unprecedented Demand! [UK re-release] more
Plot:
Dorothy Gale is swept away to a magical land in a tornado and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 8 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(171 articles)
Black Friday Movie Deals: Target
 (From Cinematical. 23 November 2009, 11:15 AM, PST)

1999: A Look Back
 (From JoBlo. 23 November 2009, 6:36 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Will continue to enthrall for generations to come! more (388 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)
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Additional Details

Runtime:
101 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Black and White (Sepiatone) | Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
DTS (re-release) | Dolby Digital (re-release) | Mono (Western Electric Sound System) | SDDS (re-release)
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
At the time this film was made, film soundtracks were generally quite simple, with most of the sound recorded on the set, with post-production dubbing and looping being used only when necessary. However, due to the large number of special sound effects in this film, it was one of the rare cases in the 1930s of the use of a sound designer (another was Murray Spivack on King Kong (1933)), whose job it was just to work out and design the sound elements of the soundtrack. O.O. Ceccarini (a close friend of Albert Einstein), who occasionally did special sound work at MGM, was brought in to design the soundtrack, with the assistance of special sound effects engineer Franklin Milton (who would later head up the MGM post-production sound department, replacing Douglas Shearer and Wesley C. Miller in the 1950s). Ceccarini was a brilliant mathematician as well, and he applied mathematics to achieving some of the more complicated sound elements. more
Goofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: In at least two shots, where the violin players in red and white are visible, as Dorothy is leaving Munchkin Land, the sounds of the violins in the accompanying music do not match the actors' hand movements. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Dorothy: She isn't coming yet, Toto. Did she hurt you? She tried to, didn't she? Come on. We'll go tell Uncle Henry and Auntie Em.
more
Movie Connections:
Spoofed in Student Bodies (1981) more
Soundtrack:
If I Only Had a Heart more

FAQ

Where does the red brick road lead?
What do the Witch's guards chant?
How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
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39 out of 49 people found the following comment useful.
Will continue to enthrall for generations to come!, 7 April 2005
Author: Vancity_Film_Fanatic from Vancouver, BC, Canada

One of the most cherished fantasy films to ever grace the screen, "The Wizard of Oz" stands as a crowning achievement in 1930's film making. The special effects are highly impressive considering the limited technology available at the time, not to mention they are infinitely more endearing than most CGI effects present in today's films. The lavish sets, impeccable costume design, and glowing Technicolor help to create a convincing and enchanting Land of Oz. And though obviously filmed on a soundstage, the sets never seem confining; thanks largely in part to the meticulous backdrop paintings used to add depth to the foreground. The musical numbers are quite lively & catchy -- never slowing the pace of the film -- except perhaps for the Lion singing "King of the Jungle". Judy Garland truly shines in her portrayal of Dorothy, perfectly capturing the wide-eyed innocence of her character. She definitely deserved the special Oscar she was awarded for her performance. Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, and Frank Morgan as the Wizard also turn in praiseworthy characterizations. Definitely timeless in every sense of the word, this film is recommended to those of all ages – a 10/10!

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