When genuine movie buffs think about great movies released in 1939, the one at the top of the list is "Gone With The Wind". Released that same year was an incredible movie directed by Victor Fleming, one of the original directors for "Wind". That movie - "The Wizard of Oz" - starring Judy Garland and a star-studded cast, opened to lesser than grand fanfare because of "Wind", but has endured with the love of generations since that time.
The most famous song in "Oz" is "Over the Rainbow" made famous by it's songstress, Judy Garland. Sung by choirs in thousands of schools nationwide, the song has endeared itself to young and old alike. Every time I hear the song, I think about the first time I ever saw "Oz" on TV - black and white, of course. I could only imagine the yellow brick road actually being yellow.
Producing this movie had it's challenges. "The Beverly Hillbillies" star, Buddy Ebsen was slated to play the Tin Man, but because of the contaminants in the make-up for the part, he became ill and was replaced by Jack Haley. For more information about the movie, go to THE WIKIPEDIA LINK. Here, you'll find loads of trivia and lesser known information about the movie.
Next Wednesday, September 23, "Oz" will be re-released for a one-time showing at local theaters nationwide to celebrate it's 70th anniversary. For more information on times and locations, CLICK HERE. In Nashville, showings will be at Opry Mills and Green Hills. I'll be at the showing at Opry Mills theaters. Hope to see you there.
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