The Wizard of Oz
I’m shocked! Premiere Magazine lists my beloved “The Wizard of Oz” among its 20 Most Overrated Movies of All Time in its latest issue. No way is this classic overrated.
To me, Judy Garland’s unforgettable interpretation of Dorothy Gale makes MGM’s 1939 version of L. Frank Baum’s popular fairy tale even more than just a great movie. In one of the most heartwarming film performances ever, Garland tenderly embodies the universal longing for a happy home and good friends. Her haunting "Over the Rainbow" lingers in my memory like no other Hollywood musical number. Thank heavens filmmakers changed their minds about cutting that song from the finished production. What a treat to see and hear the great Garland in her peak performance!
MGM re-released “The Wizard of Oz” in 1949 and again in 1955. In 1956, the movie received its initial television broadcast and, since 1959, has become a yearly television event -- which probably makes it one of the most-viewed motion pictures of all time. It’s almost impossible to believe this splendid movie was created over 60 years ago. Despite so many advances in special effects since then, nothing today on film quite matches its glory and wonder for me -- from its glittering Emerald City, menacing tornado, and giant talking Wizard-head to those sparkling Ruby Slippers.
Truly, “The Wizard of Oz” is an enduring masterpiece.
To me, Judy Garland’s unforgettable interpretation of Dorothy Gale makes MGM’s 1939 version of L. Frank Baum’s popular fairy tale even more than just a great movie. In one of the most heartwarming film performances ever, Garland tenderly embodies the universal longing for a happy home and good friends. Her haunting "Over the Rainbow" lingers in my memory like no other Hollywood musical number. Thank heavens filmmakers changed their minds about cutting that song from the finished production. What a treat to see and hear the great Garland in her peak performance!
MGM re-released “The Wizard of Oz” in 1949 and again in 1955. In 1956, the movie received its initial television broadcast and, since 1959, has become a yearly television event -- which probably makes it one of the most-viewed motion pictures of all time. It’s almost impossible to believe this splendid movie was created over 60 years ago. Despite so many advances in special effects since then, nothing today on film quite matches its glory and wonder for me -- from its glittering Emerald City, menacing tornado, and giant talking Wizard-head to those sparkling Ruby Slippers.
Truly, “The Wizard of Oz” is an enduring masterpiece.
posted by Betty Jo at
5:08 AM
1 Comments:
Happy Anniversary, Bette and Cesar!
And thanks for the inspirational analysis of why "The Wizard of Oz" means so much to so many of us.
By
Betty Jo, At
4:57 PM
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