Film Critic Leonard Maltin on ‘The Wizard of Oz’s’ Lasting Impact: ‘You Have to Know When You’re Facing Utter Perfection’

Variety ^ | Jazz Tangcay

[Fiji Hill]

This song was cut from The Wizard of Oz, but I wish they had kept it.

The Jitterbug--Vincent Lopez & His Orchestra; vocal by Betty Hutton (1939)

[Zuriel]

Pilgrim’s Progress, written in 1678, by John Bunyan, is a Christian allogory. I’m somewhat convinced that Mr Baum got much of his inspiration for his book ‘The Wizard of Oz’, from reading Bunyan’s book.

[moviefan8]

filmed version-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UB9BdxPDCwQ

[Fiji Hill]

This version of the movie's signature tune includes the rarely-heard verse. It seems to address those who were depressed by the Great Depression.

Over the Rainbow--Vera Lynn (1940)

[FamiliarFace]

An absolute must see! I’d love to hear what you think if/when you actually do.

[citizen]

People can overthink anything and see precisely anything they want.

I see it for what it was: the screen adaptation of a children’s novel written in the late 19th century. With characters all searching for some basic character trait, along with the homey “no place like home” moral at the end.

[ansel12]

I’ll probably mention it on a thread when it happens, I keep saying I’m going to watch A wonderful life as well, I’ll try to do those this year.

[No name given]

Agreed.

[ifinnegan]

Pink Floyd we’re not utter perfection.

[Greg123456]

I tried to watch it as an adult, but found the special effects so cheesy.

[11th_VA]

There’s a great YouTube Documentary on the making of the film. Several character changes, the Wicked Witch got 3rd degree burns from the broom smoke, first Tin Man had allergic reactions to silver make-up, etc. worth a watch.

[Veto!]

Saw The Wizard of Oz again a few years ago. Loved as much as I did when I was a little kid.

[Nateman]

It use to play every year . It did so until Ted Turner bought the rights to it.

[SaveFerris]

Lovely Hillary!!

[SaveFerris]

Sorry Leonard Maltin...

Now “Forbidden Planet” ... THAT’S PERFECTION!

No Flying Monkeys

Just Monsters from the Id

“Monsters, John. Monsters From The Id!”

[Getready]

It’s a wonderful life surprised me as it was very good movie. I thought it would be some schmaltzy, maudlin feel good garbage....but it was very touching...I recommend it.

[No name given]

Interesting.

[Paisan]

I’m still afraid of the flying monkeys.

Yes, the Flying Monkeys were a bit scary.

But, this was offset by the hot babes who prepared the Cowardly Lion for his visit to the Wizard...

[Adder]

the whole adventure was merely a dream—how lame

It wasn’t lame in 1939...that it was to you shows just how effective a device it was in that it was copied and used so many times thereafter that you could fine it “lame”.

Heck I was a teenager before I knew the movie had color! LOL!

[Chickensoup]

I bought and watched an upgraded copy recently. Still magical.