The differences between L. Frank Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and MGM’s movie The Wizard of Oz (1939) are numerous. Typically, when an adapted movie differs form its originally story text it is a bad thing. With Oz however, this is not the case.
Baum’s book is array with quirky lands, bothersome character encounters, and forgettable plot lines. There is no real evil to be vanquished and the books conclusion does not really make much sense. MGM’s film on the other hand uses a much more streamlined story, array with wonderful sets, fantastic songs, an evil-in-the-flesh Wicked Witch of the West, and an ending that gives the story context and brings it beautifully together.
In Baum’s book Dorothy and company face no real climax of action in their journey through Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West is vanquished half way through the book leaving no other looming threat to be dealt with. This lack of a real master evil makes Dorothy’s journey feel much less like and epic quest an much more like a string of misadventures, and thus leaves the reader feeling quite board. In addition, it is quit hard to believe that the dusty, grey, overwhelmingly dull Kansas of the book is a place Dorothy, or anyone for that matter, would want to return to. This lack of a relatable goal also leaves the reader feeling disconnected form the book and sets many into a “who cares” attitude.
The MGM picture striped down Baum’s story to something everyone would love. It redirected the Wicked Witch of the West to be presented front and center as the wicked Miss Gulch before Dorothy even drops into Oz. With such a clear and present danger the audience is immediately captivated and keeps it that way as the Witch remains at Dorothy's heals throughout the film. Dorothy’s journey through the film Oz is also much more streamlined then in the book. The pointless stork river scene and the delicate China Country are removed, along with some other of the more drudging story points. Dorothy is also given additional and needed motivation to return home when she is shown a glimpse of Aunt Em crying for her missing niece.
In addition to the main story changes, the small image conscious changes of the film are in good taste. The magical silver slippers of the book become ruby slippers in the film- a much more visually pleasing and eye popping color in the movies marvelous Technicolor. Another tasteful image change is that of the book’s short, fat, eye-patched Wicked Witch of the West into a tall and thin, toxic-green, hag. Not only does this change make the witch seem to be a more formidable opponent but it also does the films Technicolor more justice. Also, the casting of gorgeous 19 year old Judy Garland to play the books preteen Dorothy gave movie audiences one more visual to aid the films beauty. In addition to the visual changes, the addition of the musical numbers also greatly aid to the film’s spectacular fame. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”, “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain”, to name just a few, lend much help to not only drawing in the audience but also with moving along the storyline. The songs not only create a emotional cohesion between the audience and Oz’s characters but also between the characters themselves.
In conclusion whether you like it or not, L. Frank Baum’s haphazard book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz lead to the creation of one of the most beloved and well respected films ever made. Thanks frank.
Baum’s book is array with quirky lands, bothersome character encounters, and forgettable plot lines. There is no real evil to be vanquished and the books conclusion does not really make much sense. MGM’s film on the other hand uses a much more streamlined story, array with wonderful sets, fantastic songs, an evil-in-the-flesh Wicked Witch of the West, and an ending that gives the story context and brings it beautifully together.
In Baum’s book Dorothy and company face no real climax of action in their journey through Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West is vanquished half way through the book leaving no other looming threat to be dealt with. This lack of a real master evil makes Dorothy’s journey feel much less like and epic quest an much more like a string of misadventures, and thus leaves the reader feeling quite board. In addition, it is quit hard to believe that the dusty, grey, overwhelmingly dull Kansas of the book is a place Dorothy, or anyone for that matter, would want to return to. This lack of a relatable goal also leaves the reader feeling disconnected form the book and sets many into a “who cares” attitude.
The MGM picture striped down Baum’s story to something everyone would love. It redirected the Wicked Witch of the West to be presented front and center as the wicked Miss Gulch before Dorothy even drops into Oz. With such a clear and present danger the audience is immediately captivated and keeps it that way as the Witch remains at Dorothy's heals throughout the film. Dorothy’s journey through the film Oz is also much more streamlined then in the book. The pointless stork river scene and the delicate China Country are removed, along with some other of the more drudging story points. Dorothy is also given additional and needed motivation to return home when she is shown a glimpse of Aunt Em crying for her missing niece.
In addition to the main story changes, the small image conscious changes of the film are in good taste. The magical silver slippers of the book become ruby slippers in the film- a much more visually pleasing and eye popping color in the movies marvelous Technicolor. Another tasteful image change is that of the book’s short, fat, eye-patched Wicked Witch of the West into a tall and thin, toxic-green, hag. Not only does this change make the witch seem to be a more formidable opponent but it also does the films Technicolor more justice. Also, the casting of gorgeous 19 year old Judy Garland to play the books preteen Dorothy gave movie audiences one more visual to aid the films beauty. In addition to the visual changes, the addition of the musical numbers also greatly aid to the film’s spectacular fame. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”, “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain”, to name just a few, lend much help to not only drawing in the audience but also with moving along the storyline. The songs not only create a emotional cohesion between the audience and Oz’s characters but also between the characters themselves.
In conclusion whether you like it or not, L. Frank Baum’s haphazard book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz lead to the creation of one of the most beloved and well respected films ever made. Thanks frank.
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| Hot Judy Garland |
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| Fabulous Technicolor |
