After All These Years The Wizard of Oz Remains A Classic, Here’s Why

“We’re off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz”  I bet you sang that in your head with the rest of the songs from the movie as you read the above didn’t you? Most people have either seen The Wizard of Oz or at least know of it.  The book came out 117 years ago a way back in 1900. It was then produced into a movie which arrived in 1939.

What is it about L. Frank Baum’s books that makes it such a classic?

I don’t remember the first time I saw the movie but I do know it happened when I was young.  It wasn’t until I became an adult that I fell in love with it.

Perhaps my love stemmed from the black and white colours of Kansas to the vibrant rainbow of colours in Emerald City or Munchkin Land. The creativity was so advanced for its time that while most movies were in black and white, it was in colour. The colour showed just how far they were able to push Baum’s imagination in order to bring “Oz” to life.

From the moment that “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” plays up until well past “We’re Off To See The Wizard” the movie is undeniably good.

Characters

Like a good comic, it showcased some truly relatable characters who through all their troubles, were able to teach its audience the value of personal belief.

The Tinman was able to teach that each of us is capable of love whether or not we know it. Deep down inside, under multiple layers, we all have a heart and it is up to you to use it. The Scarecrow shows the audience that anything is achievable if you only use your brain.

Lastly, my personal favourite, the Cowardly Lion shows the viewers that it is ok to stand up for oneself. On top of that, he shows that we all possess courage, even when you might think otherwise.

Message

Maybe it’s the overall message of the movie, “there’s no place like home”?

Home is…well…home. Dorothy found herself on an adventure of a lifetime, and as the adventure played out, all she wanted to do was go home. Even though occasionally home may seem the exact opposite of what you want, the movie does a remarkable job of showing that most times it is exactly what you need.

Come to think of it, this reminds me of the classic Rolling Stones song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.

Quotes

As I sit here and write, I wonder if it is the script? The movie contains some of the most memorable lines in cinema.

• “Follow the yellow brick road”
• “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my”
• “There is no place like home”
• “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too”
• “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”

These are only the tip of the iceberg but you get the idea.

Marvel Comics

It is true that my husband Jeff is undeniably biased towards Marvel Comics. He was overcome with joy when he found out that…

From 2009-2010, Marvel released an 8 issue mini-series entitled “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. It was written by Eric Shanower and drawn by Skotties Young and I recommend that you check it out. You might be wondering why I say this and to that I say, read it and find out.

Aside from comics The Wizard of Oz has been made into many other forms of merchandise:

• Cartoons
• Action figures
• Toys
• Crochet patterns

Piece of Wizard of Oz advice

Go watch the movie either for the first time or again. It doesn’t matter. Just go watch it.

Follow the yellow brick road,

Catie Scott

Photo by twm1340

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