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.
50Surrender Dorothy
In the Wizard of Oz The famous “Surrender Dorothy” scene takes place after the Wicked Witch flies her broom through the sky to write the message to Dorothy. In real life, the scene was done by using a tank of water and a model Wicked Witch. In order to make it look like she was actually writing in the sky, the model was attached to the end of a long hypodermic needle and the syringe was filled with milk.
While filming below the tank, the tip of the needle was put into the tank and the words were written in reverse. In 2010, Drew Barrymore went on to direct a film of called “Surrender Dorothy” which was touted as a loose sequel to the original film.
