we;re off to see the Wizard page 4

we're off to see the Wizard page 4 by ric Gustafson


Casting for the Wizard of Oz started in 1938. Studio casting director Billy Grady had 120 lead actors and character actors under MGM contract. The first hurdle was who could play the lead character of Dorothy?.
MGM executives thought of Shirley Temple first. Musical arranger Roger Edens quickly realized that Temple was not a very good singer. Edens and Arthur Freed liked Judy Garland who was under contract. Garland was a professional performer. She had been on stage since she was two years old. MGM executives knew that Garland in such a large role was a big gamble.
Producer Arthur Freed loved Garland's natural gifts. Garland was too mature to be a child star and not groomed enough to be a leading lady. With Edens and Freed in her corner, MGM finally agreed for her to play Dorothy.
In September of 1938, she recorded two songs for the picture. She made an impression on her new co workers. She became a close friend to Margaret Hamilton. Garland was paid $ 500 a week which was about the lowest of all the OZ performers.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz FAQ' by David Hogan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric