The Making of ‘The Wizard of Oz’: Shocking Secrets Revealed
Child star Shirley Temple was initially chosen to play Dorothy and sing the iconic song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” However, RadarOnline.com has uncovered a plethora of shocking behind-the-scenes scandals that plagued the beloved 1939 movie.
Authors Jay Scarfone and William Stillman’s book, “The Wizard of Oz, The Official 75th Anniversary Companion,” delves into the dark secrets of the production, including tales of torture, poisoning, and torment suffered by the cast.
In addition to Temple, the legendary W.C. Fields was considered for the role of the Wizard, and the Wicked Witch of the West was almost hyper-sexualized. Surprisingly, Toto was originally envisioned as a man in a dog costume.
The cast faced numerous challenges during filming, with dangerous costumes posing a significant threat. Future TV star Buddy Ebsen, originally cast as the Tin Man, suffered a near-fatal poisoning from the aluminum powder used for his makeup, leading to his replacement.
Despite the initial choice of Temple, MGM ultimately cast Judy Garland as Dorothy. Garland, initially reluctant to take on the role, faced physical torture at the hands of the studio bosses, who aimed to transform her into a Shirley Temple look-alike. Garland recalled the experience as almost being the end of her due to the extreme measures taken to alter her appearance.
Garland was also subjected to strict weight loss regimens and assigned a personal trainer and body double during filming. Additionally, the iconic ruby slippers, originally silver in the book, were altered for the Technicolor process, with Garland’s feet often being replaced by a stand-in for close-up shots.
Ray Bolger, who portrayed the Scarecrow, endured intense discomfort in his costume, describing the experience as feeling like his face was going to explode due to the heat. Jack Haley, who took over the role of the Tin Man from Ebsen, also faced challenges, including the cumbersome costume and the use of poisonous aluminum powder.
The production also faced difficulties with other cast members, such as Bert Lahr, who felt typecast after playing the Cowardly Lion. The Wicked Witch of the West underwent a transformation from a glamorous portrayal by Gale Sondergaard to a frightening depiction by Margaret Hamilton.
The Munchkin actors faced their own set of challenges, with furniture and fixtures needing to be modified to accommodate their smaller stature. Despite the hardships, the cast persevered, and “The Wizard of Oz” remains a timeless classic, showcasing the resilience and dedication of all those involved in its creation.
