The Wizard of Oz Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl and her dog commit involuntary manslaughter in a psychedelic dream, then extort a conman for airline tickets.

🍿 The Wizard of Oz: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dorothy’s Kansas Life

Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, feels misunderstood and longs for a better place. After her dog Toto bites a mean neighbor, Miss Gulch, Dorothy fears Toto will be taken away. She dreams of a land ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ where she can escape her troubles. This sets the stage for her extraordinary adventure.

The Tornado and Arrival in Oz

A powerful tornado hits the farm, and Dorothy and Toto are swept away inside their house. They land with a thud in the vibrant and colorful Land of Oz. The house crushes the Wicked Witch of the East, liberating the Munchkins. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, appears and gifts Dorothy the Wicked Witch’s ruby slippers, setting the stage for the Wicked Witch of the West’s vengeful pursuit.

The Journey to the Emerald City

Glinda advises Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and seek the help of the Wizard of Oz to return home. Along the way, she meets the Scarecrow, who desires a brain; the Tin Man, who longs for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who seeks courage. They decide to join Dorothy, hoping the Wizard can grant their wishes. Together, they face various challenges on their path.

Confronting the Wicked Witch

The Wicked Witch of the West constantly tries to thwart Dorothy and her companions. She sends flying monkeys to capture Dorothy and Toto, imprisoning them in her castle. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion bravely infiltrate the castle to rescue Dorothy. In a climactic confrontation, Dorothy accidentally throws a bucket of water on the Witch, causing her to melt away, thus freeing the land from her tyranny.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dorothy (Judy Garland): A young Kansas farm girl who dreams of a world beyond her own and is swept away to the magical Land of Oz.
• Scarecrow (Ray Bolger): A kind and loyal farm worker in search of a brain, who becomes one of Dorothy’s closest companions on her journey.
• Tin Man (Jack Haley): A gentle metal-worker lacking a heart, who joins Dorothy hoping to gain the ability to love.
• Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr): A timid lion in need of courage, who accompanies Dorothy and her friends to overcome his fears.
• Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton): The vengeful sister of the Wicked Witch of the East, who seeks to steal Dorothy’s ruby slippers and maintain her reign of terror.
• Wizard of Oz (Frank Morgan): A mysterious figure promising to grant wishes, who is eventually revealed to be a humbug from Kansas.
• Glinda (Billie Burke): The Good Witch of the North who guides and protects Dorothy on her journey through Oz.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dorothy: “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” – Dorothy says this upon opening the door of her house and seeing the vibrant land of Oz for the first time, contrasting with the drab Kansas she knows.
• The Wicked Witch of the West: “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!” – The Wicked Witch declares this menacing threat to Dorothy, becoming one of cinema’s most iconic villain lines.
• Dorothy: “There’s no place like home.” – Dorothy repeats this line as she clicks her heels, ultimately returning her to Kansas and emphasizing the importance of home and family.
• The Cowardly Lion: “Put ’em up! Put ’em up! Which way did he go? Which way did he go?” – The Lion attempts to act brave, delivering a comedic line that highlights his lack of true courage.
• The Wizard: “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!” – The Wizard tries to maintain his illusion of power, desperately attempting to distract from the revealed truth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,777,000
• Domestic Gross: $24,668,669
• Worldwide Gross: $25,637,669

💥 The Wizard of Oz Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie every year as a kid. The moment when the screen bursts into color always gave me chills. It felt like stepping into a real dream. Even now, the music and the characters bring back such a strong sense of nostalgia. It reminds me of simpler times. And the message, that everything you need is already inside you and the importance of home, always made me tear up.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a classic movie night.”
  • “Fans of musicals and fantasy films.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate timeless stories with heartwarming messages.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes with the Wicked Witch of the West may be frightening for young children.”
  • “Brief moments of peril and fantasy violence.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A cinematic marvel, with groundbreaking Technicolor and unforgettable performances. Its enduring appeal lies in the blend of fantasy and heart, a journey that resonates across generations.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “More than just a children’s film, it’s a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of home. Garland’s ‘Over the Rainbow’ remains iconic, a symbol of hope and longing.
• New York Times: “A film that defines the concept of ‘classic.’ The blend of color, music, and story created a unique and lasting cinematic experience, and this a must-see for anyone interested in film history.

Audience Reactions

The transition from black and white to color is still breathtaking.: Visually stunning and the color switch is iconic.

The characters are unforgettable and very relatable, each searching for something within themselves.: The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion are beloved characters.

Overall Consensus: A timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages with its enchanting story, memorable characters, and groundbreaking visuals.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1940
2. Academy Award (Best Original Score)- 1940

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man, but he had to be replaced by Jack Haley due to a severe allergic reaction to the aluminum dust in the makeup.”
• “The color sequences were filmed using Technicolor’s three-strip process, which was revolutionary for its time and resulted in the film’s vibrant, enduring colors.”
• “Several directors contributed to the film, including Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and King Vidor, making the final product a collaborative effort.”
• “The actors who played the Munchkins were mostly little people, and their on-set behavior became notorious for being rowdy and disruptive.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Wizard of Oz?

The Wizard of Oz is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Wizard of Oz, you might like these similar films:

• Labyrinth (1986): A young girl journeys through a fantastical world filled with strange creatures and challenges to rescue her brother.
• The NeverEnding Story (1984): A young boy escapes reality by immersing himself in a magical book and becoming part of its narrative.
• Return to Oz (1985): A darker, more faithful adaptation of the original Oz books, offering a different perspective on Dorothy’s adventures.
• Alice in Wonderland (1951): A young girl enters a bizarre and nonsensical world, encountering strange characters and surreal situations.
• Paddington (2014): A fish out of water tale with the lead character displaced from home, encountering the unusual in a new land and making friends along the way.

🛒 The Wizard of Oz Related Products

• The Wizard of Oz: 75th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray): A digitally remastered version of the movie with bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and making-of documentaries.
• Wizard of Oz Barbie Doll Set: A set of Barbie dolls designed as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.
• The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road Nintendo DS: A role-playing game where players explore the Land of Oz and battle the Wicked Witch’s minions.
• The Wizard of Oz: Original Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Wizard of Oz features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Over the Rainbow” – performed by Judy Garland
• “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead” – performed by The Munchkins
• “We’re Off to See the Wizard” – performed by Judy Garland and Cast

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

MadTV – Wizard of Oz (Alternate Ending)

Have you ever wondered what Dorothy was really thinking at the end of The Wizard of Oz? This MadTV sketch hilariously imagines her true feelings, offering a fresh perspective on the classic film.

Wizard Of Meh

Prepare to be captivated by this mesmerizing remix of The Wizard of Oz by Pogo. It’s a visually stunning journey that breathes new life into the classic film, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Where the Dress From ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Was Found After 50 Years

Get ready to be amazed! This news clip reveals the incredible discovery of the lost dress worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the enduring legacy of this iconic film.

Bizarre Things That Happened On The Set Of The Wizard Of Oz

Brace yourself for a chilling journey behind the scenes of The Wizard of Oz. This video exposes the bizarre and horrifying events that plagued the production, adding a new layer of intrigue to the beloved film.

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