Oz 80 page 2

Oz 80 page 2 by ric gustafson


There were a number of directors and screenwriters working on the Wizard of Oz. On the surface, the production should of been a disaster. The production's first director was Norman Taurog. He left to film a Mickey Rooney movie and did not do anything for Oz. The second director was Richard Thorpe. He helped the production for only a week and a half before he was fired. George Cukor was brought in for a short time. King Vidor came in at the end to finish the film.
It was the fourth director Victor Fleming's vision that made the film into a classic today. By 1938, Fleming was a veteran director. His idea was for Dorothy to escape with Toto and have frustration with her aunt and uncle. Fleming was a director of comedies. He was able to get great performances from his vaudeville actors. Also he was able to handle the new Technicolor.
Later, he directed Gone With The Wind. Both films were part of the great film year of 1939.
Next, we will look at Judy Garland.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by Topix Media and Newsweek


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric