Classic family fantasy flick!

It is far too inadequate and clichéd to award The Wizard of Oz the title of "classic". This is a film that essentially everyone holds in high regard. This is more than just a classic children's fantasy movie: this is a brilliant, groundbreaking family movie that encloses various poignant, relevant subconscious messages. Even today, this is a captivating fairy-tale that continues to educate younger audiences about life and the importance of learning lessons. We've all seen The Wizard of Oz during our early youthful years, and there is little wonder: this is a family fantasy film about growing up. Personally, I have extremely vague memories of watching this movie...I'm not even sure if I ever saw it in its entirety. Quite simply, this is a movie we have all seen at some point even if we don't remember it very well. Do you remember small bits and pieces, but overall can't remember an overwhelming amount? Do exactly what I did - head to the local video and hire it...you won't regret it as nostalgic and sentimental memories come flooding back.

It feels superfluous and fruitless to provide a plot synopsis...I mean it's The Wizard of Oz! Even if some people haven't seen it, everyone would have heard so many reviews and film discussions that it feels like they've seen it and know everything about it! Still, no matter how redundant and unessential...a brief plot synopsis is customary and probably appropriate.

Dorothy Gale (Garland) lost her parents many years earlier and is living with other relatives. Dorothy is devastated when her dog Toto (Terry...yes, I'm billing the dog that played the dog. Big deal) bites her neighbour and is going to be put to sleep. She tries to run away, but quickly returns as a gigantic cyclone begins ripping through her home town of Kansas. This cyclone sweeps away the family farm; transporting Dorothy and Toto to the magical Land of Oz. This colourful, exquisite land is far away from home, a home to which Dorothy so badly desires to return. The quest commences as she embarks on a journey along the yellow brick road to visit the Wizard of Oz (Morgan) who could help her get home. Along the way she meets a cavalcade of wonderful characters that becomes her 3 companions who also desire something from the wizard: Scarecrow (Bolger) who wishes for a brain, Tin Man (Haley) who wants a heart, and The Lion (Lahr) who yearns for courage. Meanwhile, the Wicked Witch of the West (Hamilton) is displeased because Dorothy's entry caused the demise of her sister, and aims to do everything she can to prevent Dorothy from reaching her destination.

Sometimes we look back on a classic film that stands the test of time, but was not successful upon initial release. The Wizard of Oz is a prime example of this: when first released in 1939, the critics fed it mixed reviews. Some critics even called it "dull" and "uncreative"...some saying that there is "nothing for the adults". It enjoyed a bit of money at the box office over a few re-releases, but it wasn't until a few decades later that audiences realised what a gem this movie truly is - and it finally gained its current status as a cultural icon. In 1939, those involved with the film would have scoffed at the thought of the film being such a phenomenon in the decades to follow...but lo and behold, now it's one of the most highly regarded films of all time!

What is the charm that so potently prevails? The sets are elegant, the special effects are groundbreaking, the concepts are mature, the characters are fascinating and the songs are energetic. This is a musical after all, so everything had to be eye-catching...especially during the songs! Okay, so I admit that for years I have detested everything about "Over the Rainbow". That is an awful melody and it pains my ears whenever they're exposed to it. The studio wanted to cut the song and I wish that they did. It went on to win an Oscar, but doesn't change my view of the song. The reasoning behind the studio desiring to cut it is spot on: it slows the action. Although many hold the song in really high regard, my opinion of this film (which is wonderful nonetheless) would have been elevated if this song was removed. I simply cover my ears or do something else whenever I reach the scene. Aside from this song, the rest of the singing is beautiful and a treat for the ears.

There are some amazing accomplishments in filmmaking to find in this movie. First of all, the clever colour schemes. When Dorothy is in Kansas the film is tinted in a sepia tone. When she moves into the Land of Oz (in a mind-blowing panning shot) everything in the frame is bright and colourful. You cannot flaw the expansive sets that look impressive even by today's standards. You will feel like you've been transported to another world when the camera first dives into the Land of Oz. It's a world of soundstages, matte paintings, backdrops, and even the celebrated tornado that is merely a wind sock hooked to an overhead scaffold...but does it matter? Certainly not as this is the magic of the movies!

Above all the visuals, The Wizard of Oz is a remarkable story that is extremely well told! Appealing to all ages, I think the reason it remains a seminal piece is that its themes are so universal. Some also believe that the original story of Oz has a slightly more hidden message from author L. Frank Baum; that of how powerful leaders (in this case, The Wizard) were controlling, manipulative and misleading. Contexts aside, this is a great story that is magically brought to life in a terrific movie!

Judy Garland was a tender age of 16 when she was cast in the role of Dorothy Gale. Sadly, in this day and age Judy only exists in the memories she preserved on film. In this film she is absolutely stunning: beautiful, angelic and wonderful. I think all men can admit that at some stage in their life they had a schoolboy crush on the actress. I don't blame them. Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley are great as Dorothy's bizarre companions. Margaret Hamilton was feared by children ever since the release of this film. She's suitably eccentric and quirky as the Wicked Witch.

The Wizard of Oz is a prolific, legendary production. It wasn't an easy task to get this film in the can but it's all worth it. In the years to follow there have been imitators, spoofs, follow-ups, constant references (The Matrix, anyone?) and TV stations that never-endingly broadcast the film...but does it taint the original film? Nope. Not one iota! The rumours of the inexhaustible magic are all true. Everything you've heard, it's all true. This is an archetypal text that has been the subject of intertexuality for decades.

All this praise almost seems unnecessary, and I feel it appropriate to quote the film's opening dedication that sums everything up perfectly: