The 1939 film The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic films of all time. It launched Garland into the throes of major movie stardom. Though the film made Garland’s career, it also ruined her life. The Wizard of Oz was a gorgeous, Technicolor film, but there was undeniable darkness on set. From crippling addiction and devastating assault to injury and ever near-death experiences, behind the scenes of Oz will change your perspective on the classic film.
It’s hard to imagine The Wizard of Oz without iconic actress Judy Garland, but she almost didn’t play Dorothy.
49“Singer Midgets”
The majority of the Munchkins in the Wizard of Oz are portrayed by the “Singer Midgets”. However, their very aptly titled name was not chosen for their musical talents but actually for their manager, a man named Leo Singer. The Singer troupe who made up the munchkins actually came from Europe.
While it was a wonderful thing to have work, the trip was even more pressing as many of the actors used the trip as a way to escape from the Nazis who were working on taking over many parts of Europe at the time. In spite of their name, other professional singers actually dubbed most of their parts. Especially because the majority of the actors couldn’t speak English very well. There are only two Munchkins who can actually be heard speaking in the film. These actors can be seen in the scene where the Munchkins give Dorothy flowers after she climbs into the carriage.
