Horrors Behind the Scenes of the Wizard of Oz

[Music] ah The Wizard of Oz who has not basked in the glow of its Technicolor dreams sung along to its enchanting melodies or dreamed of skipping down the yellow brick road released in 1939 this film remains a staple in American Cinema an iconic Testament to creativity and Innovation but like Dorothy discovering the man behind the curtain aren't we all a bit curious about the tails that lay hidden Beyond Oz's vibrant facade hold on to your ruby slippers as we take a journey uncovering The Not So glittering Truths Behind this beloved classic join us as we have a look at the horrors behind the scenes of The Wizard of Oz a Technicolor dream with real life nightmares emerging at a time when the world was shrouded in the darkness of the Great Depression The Wizard of Oz was a literal burst of color a phenomenon never quite seen before its introduction of Technicolor immediately set it apart audiences were transported from the grayscale reality of Kansas to the brilliant Kaleidoscope Landscapes of Oz this Vivid transformation was more than cinematic magic it was also a Beacon of Hope casting a vibrant light onto the lives that desperately needed some cheering produced by the esteemed Metro Goldwyn mayor the film promised to be a masterpiece from its very Inception it was this very promise however that became a double-edged sword with a budget of over 2 million dollars a colossal sum for the time the pressures to ensure that every cent translated into cinematic Excellence were immense this ambitious project designed to be nothing short of breathtaking did achieve its goal but not without considerable hurdles you see while we may be celebrating the sheer Genius of the film's effects and Artistry it's crucial to remember that this was the late 1930s and the film industry was still in its relative infancy especially when it came to safety standards there were not exhaustive lists of protocols to ensure actor safety or guidelines to mitigate potential hazards cast and crew often walked a fine line between genius and danger with Innovation came experimentation and with experimentation came risk actors were sometimes subjected to harmful chemicals that were meant to produce the special effects that we so admire and these very effects though revolutionary became sources of immense stress the lack of protective measures exposed the cast to potential dangers some of which had long lasting consequence every burst of flame every puff of smoke and every Sparkle was not achieved digitally as is commonplace these days but instead they were real tangible and at times perilous Judy Garland portrayal of dorothea's revered worldwide but at the tender age of 16 during filming she was introduced to the harsh realities of movie making of the era safety and Welfare regulations for young actors were scarce and her experience on the set is just one example of how ambition is sometimes overlooked while being film critics of the time did recognize the genius of The Wizard of Oz the movie was nominated for six Oscars an affirmation of its Monumental achievement in filmmaking but in a Twist reminiscent of its plot it was overshadowed by another giant Gone With The Wind in the best picture category still though with two Academy Awards to its name and the distinction of being the most watched film in history according to the Library of Congress The Wizard of Oz definitely had the last laugh the Journey of creating The Wizard of Oz is in many ways reflective of its own narrative a blend of Dreams and Nightmares of Hope and despair of beauty and of pain and as we Revel in its Brilliance it's essential to acknowledge the undying Spirit of its cast and crew who Against All Odds gifted us a masterpiece for the ages copper woes and fiery Flames Margaret Hamilton's ordeal in the annals of Hollywood's Golden Age few rolls have etched themselves into the collective Consciousness as indelibly as the Wicked Witch of the West with her verdant skin hooked nose and menacing cackle she embodied the very essence of evil for countless children and adults alike yet Behind the Green Visage and the fiery temperament there was Margaret Hamilton a consummate actress whose commitment to her craft would lead her into unforeseen dangers and distress from the outset the challenges posed by the portrayal of the iconic wicked witch would be clear transforming an actress into this ghoulish figure required extensive makeup a process that took hours every shooting day this wasn't just any makeup though it was a concoction of potential toxins Chief amongst them being copper oxide a chemical that was used to achieve that signature green tint copper oxide is no benign substance prolonged exposure can lead to an array of complications which includes respiratory stress and skin reactions every day as the green Hue was meticulously painted onto her skin she faced the real risk of bodily harm the commitment to maintaining the color's intensity and consistency meant no shortcuts the dedication was unquestionable however the lack of awareness about its potential dangers was a stark reminder of an industry in its nascent stages of understanding health risks Hamilton's injuries were not only physical the psychological scars ran deep just imagine in the pursuit of cinematic Perfection finding oneself at the mercy of real searing Flames the trauma of such an event the visceral pain the blistering aftermath it's all a testament to Hamilton's strength and resilience that she returned to complete her role still though the shadow of the accident loomed large in subsequent scenes involving fire a stand-in would be used a decision likely influenced by The Haunting memories of that fateful day revisiting Hamilton's Journey Through the production of The Wizard of Oz it becomes evident that the boundaries between her character and her personal experiences blurred like the wicked witch navigating the challenges of Oz Hamilton faced trials then tested her fortitude the fires that she encountered weren't only cinematic spectacles they were real life-altering events similarly the toxicity that she battled was not only from the vitriol of her character but from the very substance that was applied to her skin through all of this adversity Margaret Hamilton emerged as a beacon of resilience her dedication to the role her unwavering commitment even in the face of life-threatening challenges speaks volumes about her professionalism it's easy to view the wicked witch as a character of fiction a creation of makeup and cinematic magic but still it's also essential to remember the human element the woman beneath the paint facing real dangers enduring genuine pain Margaret Hamilton's Legacy in The Wizard of Oz transcends her iconic portrayal her ordeal serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the sacrifices made by actors in a time when safety standards were still evolving it underscores the undeniable fact that behind every captivating scene every moment of movie Magic there are real people with real stories who are facing real challenges as the tales of Oz continue to enchant Generations we should remember not only the Wicked Witch of the West but also the woman who played her Margaret Hamilton the embodiment of tenacity strength and unyielding spirit in her story we find a poignant reminder of The Human Side of Hollywood and the untold sacrifices behind the silver screens gleam silver not gold the Tin Man's brush with Danger the Land of Oz with its sparkling Emerald City and the iconic Yellow Brick Road may have seemed like a realm of magical Whimsy but behind the scenes the production of The Wizard of Oz was mired in challenges that were anything but fictional amongst these The Saga of Buddy Ebsen the first actor cast as the Tin Man stands out as a somber testimony to the unforeseen dangers of early Film Production when Buddy Ebsen The Versatile actor with flair for song and dance would initially be chosen for the role there was considerable excitement his affable charm and the lighthearted ease with which he had approached all of his roles had made him an ideal fit for the character as with all characters in the film though the transformation from man to myth would require an intricate dance of costuming and makeup and for the Tin Man this meant adorning Epson in a silver sheen that was befitting the character's metallic Persona in the Quest for authenticity and the unmistakable gleam of metal the makeup Department opted for an aluminum powder based makeup during initial testing this powder was applied directly onto epson's skin creating the desired tin like effect but while the visual results Were Striking the repercussions for epson's health were soon to manifest in dire ways only a few days into the shooting and Ebsen had begun to experience discomfort his symptoms would escalate rapidly ranging from shortness of breath to severe cramps but the true gravity of the situation became apparent when he found himself unable to breathe one fateful night leading to his immediate hospitalization the diagnosis would be alarming Ebsen was suffering from a reaction to the aluminum powder when inhaled the fine particles of the powder had settled into his lungs which led to a dangerous condition the consequence of this Revelation would be twofold on the personal front Ebsen had to Grapple with the shock and distress of a life-threatening Health scare and the hospitalization spanned several weeks with the recovery being slow and arduous though he eventually regained his health the psychological trauma of the event lingered on Ebsen would later recount the harrowing experience in interviews a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected hazards that can lurk behind even the most glittering of facades on the professional front the production of Wizard of Oz faced a quandary with Epson incapacitated and the risks of the aluminum powder make up evident the film's creators had to make Swift decisions Jack Haley would be roped in as ebsen's replacement and the treacherous powder makeup was swapped for a more safe aluminum paste Haley's portrayal of the Tin Man would go on to become iconic yet the shadow of epson's ordeal hung heavy over the production it became a chilling Paradox that the Tin Man a character who yearned for a heart inadvertently became the cause of such heartache and distress ebsen's initial casting and subsequent hospitalization underscores the nascent stage of the film industry's awareness furnace regarding safety and health hazards at a time when the Allure of Cinema was rapidly expanding and the push for authenticity was Paramount the boundaries of safety were at times recklessly stretched as the years have passed and the stories from the sets of The Wizard of Oz have crystallized into Legend The Narrative of the Tin Man stands as one of the most haunting and it's not merely a tale of casting gone awry or The Perils of makeup it's also an exploration of vulnerability resilience and the indomitable human spirit in buddy ebsen's ordeal we're reminded that sometimes the most significant challenges are those that we never see coming and the truest victories are the ones that emerge from adversity the dark side of the Rainbow Judy Garland's trials Judy Garland's portrayal of Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz is etched into the annals of cinematic history as one of the most endearing performances ever the naive yet determined girl from Kansas with dreams larger than the vast Midwest Skies touched the hearts of millions but for Judy the Journey To Oz was not paved in Gold but rather with trials and tribulations that no young actress should ever have to endure from the outset she was placed under immense pressures Studio Executives and producers saw her not as a talented teenager on the cusp of stardom but as a commercial asset that needed to be molded controlled and perfected for the Silver Screen this perspective would lead to an invasive scrutiny of every aspect of her life the most blatant of which would be the obsessive focus on her physical appearance Judy's natural physique was deemed unfit for the character of the innocent wayfish Dorothy thus began the Studio's Relentless Endeavor to slim her down garland would be put on a strict diet that was more Aiken to starvation meals were limited to Mere chicken broth black coffee and cigarettes with the latter supposedly acting as an appetite suppressant these drastic measures inflicted on a growing teenager were not only detrimental to her health but also seeded deep-rooted body image issues that would plague her for many years to come the challenges did not end with her dietary restrictions to achieve the desired youthful look Garland was made to wear painfully tight corsets that restricted her breathing adding to the physical discomfort and she was forced to endure this daily every inch of her being from her voice to her body was under constant surveillance and any deviation from the Studio's ideals were met with immediate reprimand and adjustment directorial mistreatment added another layer of adversity to Garland's experience the young Starlet was often on the receiving end of harsh comments and actions from the movie's directors their approach would not be nurturing or supportive but rather critical and demeaning Garland was reminded repeatedly that she was replaceable a tactic employed to ensure compliance and suppress any semblance of protest there were times that she was slapped to elicit a genuine reaction for shock a blatant Act of abuse masked as Direction beyond the set though the studio also maintained its firm grip on her life she along with other young starlets of the era were prescribed a cocktail of pills amphetamines to keep them awake and long working hours along with barbiturates to ensure that they got some rest this toxic cycle would take a toll on her mental health creating a dependency that would tragically become the Hallmark of her later life reflecting upon her experiences it becomes impactful that Judy Garland's trials went far beyond the typical struggles of an actress she would be trapped in a Vortex of manipulation with every facet of her existence being controlled by those who had saw her not as a human being but as a means to an end the stark contrast behind the vibrant Land of Oz where dreams come true and the Grim reality of Judy's off-screen life is both ironic and deeply saddening yet in the face of these insurmountable odds Garland Spirit Shone through her portrayal of Dorothy became iconic a testament to her innate talent and resilience far far away behind the Moon beyond the ray okay each song each scene captured not only the character's Essence but also fragments of Garland's own hopes and dreams a young girl who was yearning for a world where she truly belonged in the end Judy Garland's Legacy is not one of victimhood but a victory despite the shackles of her circumstances she emerged as one of the most celebrated artists of her time a beacon of talent and tenacity her journey ruddled with pain and Triumph serves as an enduring Testament to the indomitable Spirit of the artist ever shining even in the face of the darkest storms underdogs and overpays Toto vs the munchkins now Hollywood is a place where dreams are woven Legends are born and sometimes a canine can earn more than its human co-star as absurd as it may sound this was the case with the wizard of oz in a film that had flying monkeys a living scarecrow and a city that was made of emerald it was the payroll that might have been the most bizarre element Toto the loyal and adorable Terrier was a constant companion of Dorothy and together they faced witches befriended unlikely allies and tapped ruby slippers but off the set Toto or more accurately Toto's trainer was tapping into quite the lucrative deal in the land of Hollywood dollars and cents Toto's paycheck was astonishingly generous the furry four-legged friend pocketed a sum of 125 dollars a week a figure that would make anyone's Tail Wag at the time especially when considering the era's economic standards that amount could comfortably fetch a decent car or even be a down payment on a how house it was a paycheck that could make any actor or their agent Green With Envy and speaking of green we should address the colorful residents of Oz the munchkins the munchkins those jubilant and tuneful inhabitants of Munchkin land played a crucial role in guiding Dorothy on her journey their song and dance cheering and unique appearance all made them Unforgettable however in terms of compensation they would find themselves on a rather uneven Yellow Brick Road the vast majority of the munchkin actors received a paycheck of just 50 to 100 dollars per week with a lower end being half of what Toto earned now some would argue that Toto did have more screen time or that animals necessitated special handlers and Care thus justifying the cost and while there is a kernel of Truth to that animals do need their trainers after all it's still a hard pill to swallow when considering the munchkin actors had to endure long hours of makeup rehearsals and multiple takes all while in heavy hot costumes the disparity highlights a curious and often Whimsical hierarchy in Hollywood star power isn't just about Talent OR screen presence sometimes it becomes about the novelty Toto being one of the primary non-human characters inadvertently stole the Limelight and a heavier purse from The Ensemble of humans who had brought depth and charm to the fantasy world of Oz but all humor aside this peculiarity serves as a reflection of the times and the industry's nascent stage actor compensation wasn't necessarily rooted In fairness or screen importance but rather Guided by novelty leverage and sometimes sheer Randomness as The Wizard of Oz continues to enchant and Captivate Tales of its behind the scenes quirks add layers to its Legacy the story of Toto and the munchkins isn't just a chuckle-worthy tidbit it's a poignant reminder of the intricate things about Hollywood's Golden Age It's a tale that prompts introspection into how we value contributions whether it be in cinema or in the more broad walks of life in the end the munchkins might have earned less but their place in the annals of cinematic history remains Priceless and as for Toto let's just say he's a shining example of a dog having his day unseen hazards hidden threats on the set while the magical realm of The Wizard of Oz dazzled audiences with its Technicolor Brilliance and Whimsical storytelling the reality behind the film's production was considerably more sobering though Tales of actor challenges and odd paycheck discrepancies would often dominate discussions of the film's Legacy it is the hidden threats that perhaps deserve the most attention these hazards imperceptible to the average moviegoer were often brushed aside in favor of cinematic Brilliance yet they also served as a stark reminder of Hollywood's early days where artistic Vision sometimes came at a high human cost perhaps one of the most infamous of these invisible perils was the use of asbestos as snow in the touching scene where Glinda the Good Witch descends to send Dorothy back to Kansas the poppy field is dusted with snow to awaken our sleeping Heroes innocent and beautiful as it may have looked the reality was a chilling wake-up call of its own the snowflakes drifting down were made of industrial grade as best asbestos now universally recognized as a health nightmare was casually sprinkled onto the actors putting them directly at risk of long-term respiratory problems and diseases like mesothelioma then there was the case of the dazzling Emerald City a spectacle for the eyes with its glimmering facade but All That Glitters Is Not Gold or even safe for that matter the green Shimmer that gave the city its signature Hue would be achieved through the use of copper a substance known to be toxic when ingested or inhaled in large amounts while immediate effects might have been negligible it's daunting to think of the potential long-term Health consequences that the cast and crew may have faced speaking of heat temperatures on set would pose another challenge to achieve the magical land of Oz and vibrant Technicolor enormous Arc lights would be used making the set feel more like a furnace these high temperatures combined with heavy costumes would create an environment where actors risked heat exhaustion on a daily basis Judy Garland dressed in her modest but multi-layered Dorothy outfit would have felt this acutely furthermore the enchanting munchkin land with its oversized flowers and bright Whimsical homes while delightful on the screen was actually a maze of tripping hazards the oversized set props were often rigid in a mobile making navigation tricky especially for actors with restrictive costumes it is worth noting that in this era of filmmaking the primary focus would be on the end product the magical world transported to the Silver Screen for audiences to Revel in the means to achieve this no matter how perilous were often overlooked safety regulations were lacks and the long-term implications of using certain materials were either unknown or ignored the rush of Hollywood's Golden Age combined with a lack of contemporary knowledge meant that these issues went largely unaddressed for modern viewers understanding these hazards enriches the viewing experience adding layers of depth and a touch of melancholy to an otherwise enchanting tale it's a testament to the dedication of the cast and crew who persevered through these challenging conditions in order to deliver a cinematic Masterpiece and as we celebrate the Wizard of Oz and all of its indomitable spirit it's essential to remember the hidden threats that were lurking behind the scenes they serve as cautionary tales urging the film industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of its artists even as it pursues the Pinnacle of cinematic artistry what could have been alternate castings and lost opportunities Hollywood history is a tapestry woven of Dreams aspirations and countless what-ifs the Journey of The Wizard of Oz to the Silver Screen is no exception punctuated by Tales of potential castings that could have reshaped the entire Narrative of this cinematic classic such musings not only Intrigue the fans but also open the door to an alternative Universe of Oz where Familiar Faces might have dawned different roles of all of the casting considerations perhaps none is more tantalizing than the possibility of Shirley Temple as Dorothy Gale Temple the curly-haired sweetheart who had America wrapped around her little finger was the initial choice for many with her infectious smile and vivacious energy she was America's darling enchanting audiences in films like bright eyes and curly top given her star power and appeal it's not hard to see why she was the front-runner for the role of Dorothy had Temple taken the iconic ruby slippers the tonal Ambiance of The Wizard of Oz may have shifted in a significant fashion while Judy Garland had brought a melancholic innocence and depth to Dorothy Temple's portrayal may have well been more spritelier more bubbly and with youthful exuitth Toto or the Scarecrow might have been imbued with a childlike Wonder distinct from Garland's approach but alas due to Studio contracts and the musical demands of the role the stars did not align for Shirley Temple while the door of the alternate is the most talked about other primary characters had their own alternate casting Tales before Ray Bolger danced his way into audience's Hearts as the Scarecrow he would originally be cast as the Tin Man Bulger however felt an intense connection to the scarecrow's character prompting him to persuade the studio to swap roles with Buddy Ebsen it is a switch that history has Vindicated given how seamlessly the Bulger embodied the scarecrow's endearing awkwardness still though one could not help but wonder about a universe where bulger's Tin Men would have serenaded Dorothy with his metallic charm and of course alternate casting is not just about musing over what might have been it's also a nod to the Serendipity of Cinema itself the actors who ultimately brought Oz's residence to life did so with such conviction and Charisma that it's hard to imagine anyone else in their shoes every laugh every tear every song it all seems tailor-made for the talents which embrace them however there's no denying the Allure of these alternate realities speculating on them offers a deeper appreciation for the stars that align to create the Masterpiece that The Wizard of Oz became while we may playfully ponder over Shirley Temple dancing down the yellow brick road our Ray Bolger pining for a heart we can also rest assured that the universe that we got is as magical as any that we may have imagined and as we drift into these dreamy speculations we're reminded of the film's core message sometimes there's truly no place like home what did you think about this Venture Into The Wizard of Oz and the many Secrets behind the scenes let me know in the comments section down below also subscribe to this Channel and like this video so that you can get more videos like it in the future thanks for watching I'll see you next time

Channel: Top Discovery

Views: 11,981

Keywords: discovery, unexplained, mysterious, top 10, top 15, top discovery, space, universe, science, techology, mystery, facts, interesting, discovery channel, discovery plus, scientists discovery, aliens, ufo, terrifying discoveries, top, they discovered, invention, future, galaxy, james webb, elon musk, business, entertainment

Id: KRT1GcdKQF0

Length: 26min 18sec (1578 seconds)

Published: Fri Sep 08 2023