03-25-2025 - on This Moment in Film History
Mar 25, 2025•2 min
Episode description
On March 25, 1939, one of the most iconic films in cinema history, "The Wizard of Oz," had its first sneak preview at the Strand Theatre in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The official Hollywood premiere would follow on August 15, 1939, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
Directed by Victor Fleming and starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, "The Wizard of Oz" was a groundbreaking film in terms of its use of Technicolor, special effects, and storytelling. The film follows Dorothy as she is transported from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz, where she encounters the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), the Tin Man (Jack Haley), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) on her journey to meet the Wizard (Frank Morgan).
The film is known for its iconic musical numbers, including "Over the Rainbow," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became Garland's signature tune. The film also featured innovative special effects, such as the tornado sequence and the melting of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Despite its eventual success and status as a classic, "The Wizard of Oz" initially struggled at the box office and barely recouped its production costs. It wasn't until its television broadcasts in the 1950s and 1960s that the film found its audience and became a beloved family favorite.
Today, "The Wizard of Oz" is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, with its enduring themes, unforgettable characters, and timeless music continuing to captivate audiences of all ages. Its impact on popular culture is immeasurable, with references, homages, and parodies appearing in countless films, television shows, and other media.
Directed by Victor Fleming and starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, "The Wizard of Oz" was a groundbreaking film in terms of its use of Technicolor, special effects, and storytelling. The film follows Dorothy as she is transported from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz, where she encounters the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), the Tin Man (Jack Haley), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) on her journey to meet the Wizard (Frank Morgan).
The film is known for its iconic musical numbers, including "Over the Rainbow," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became Garland's signature tune. The film also featured innovative special effects, such as the tornado sequence and the melting of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Despite its eventual success and status as a classic, "The Wizard of Oz" initially struggled at the box office and barely recouped its production costs. It wasn't until its television broadcasts in the 1950s and 1960s that the film found its audience and became a beloved family favorite.
Today, "The Wizard of Oz" is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, with its enduring themes, unforgettable characters, and timeless music continuing to captivate audiences of all ages. Its impact on popular culture is immeasurable, with references, homages, and parodies appearing in countless films, television shows, and other media.
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