The Wizard of Oz is noted for many things, most see it as a children's
story and while it is that, it is much more. When the movie was made by MGM it
was the most expensive movie ever made. It made minimal profits during its
original release, some will say even lost money, but, we all know now the power
of legs and the importance of television. When the film was shown some years
later, in the 1950's on television, the film took off and viewers everywhere
took notice. The movie received critical praise, although some critics didn't
like it. During the theatrical release in 1939, it was nominated for numerous Academy
Awards in a year considered by many until this day as the best year ever for
movies. It lost The Best Picture Oscar to eventual winner, Gone With The Wind. The
Wizard of Oz won other awards including Best Song, Somewhere Over The Rainbow which
is considered by many as the best song in the history of film.
One little known fact is the 1939 version of The Wizard of
Oz was not the first movie release of the story. Others based on L. Frank Baum's
work was released in 1910, 1925, and 1933. Baum even commissioned a theatrical
musical of the story released in 1902. The movie for me has lasting memories
for other reasons though. I live in Kansas,
the lasting references to the Land of Oz and not being in Kansas anymore is something I endure if not
on a regular basis to this day. Kansans because of the love of Dorothy for her
home has most Kansans sympathetic to the movie.
While there are many things to notice in this classic
fantasy, from the incredible, lasting special effects, the use of color, the
terrific direction, cast and music one can't get away from magical moments that
exist from the opening scenes in black and white to the color transitions to
the closing scenes. There is everything in between from a horrific witch to
singing Munchkins and flying monkeys. Along the way are friendships that give
example to the things each of us have the potential to possess. A brain that
gives the ability to think, courage that allows one to stand on their
convictions and a heart that allows one to love and care for others. Dorothy is
if you will a sort of savior who has come from another land to rekindle hope in
this place called OZ. She does so by helping instill dreams for a Cowardly Lion
who needs a courage, a rusty old Tin Man who needs a Heart, and of course a
Scarecrow who needs a brain. Each of these characters, in some ways represent
all of us. They take on attributes that ultimately defeat evil and provides Oz
the salvation it needs. After accomplishing her purpose, just like the Savior
Jesus, Dorothy goes home to the place
she loves, Kansas. She departs much like Jesus, into the Heaven's
with those she has saved looking on and declaring her glories.
Dorothy represents the need to sometimes help and inspire
others. We can see ourselves in this beautiful story. Psychology Today did a
piece on the story in the June issue of 2010 that stated the movie is the most
popular movie of all time, (viewed by more people of any movie in history)
because in part, "...it embodies some of our most enduring values. At the
same time, it also raises some provocative ideas." Within those ideas are
reflections that each human can relate to, a place to call home, we are
powerless and in need of a redeemer or savior if you will and the realization
that our strengths and weaknesses come from within ourselves. (June Issue 2010,
Psychology Today, The Narcissus In All Of Us, Why 'The Wizard of Oz' is the
most popular film of all time) Of course
as a person of faith, I believe the ultimate answers to our problems come from
God. Just as Dorothy illustrated the need of Oz to have a savior, Jesus is the embodiment
of the savior we need. It is clear that some of Baum's early Methodist and Episcopal
roots are evident in his stories, although he converted to a free thinker train
of thought through theosophy, at many
points even confronting Christian theological aspects, that said, it is hard to
escape the need of a savior as presented in The Wizard of Oz. Whatever the
perspective, there is no doubt of the influence of faith on the writings of
Baum, whether they be to promote or tear down religion. 
As movies go, The Wizard of Oz about covers everything,
excitement, story, great acting, music the whole bit. I also find it beautiful as
it also opens up themes you can talk about with children and grandchildren. The
themes are universal and can give examples on how God gives gifts, abilities
and the special things that allow each of us to contribute to the world around
us. These lessons aren't just for children though which is why I suspect so
many still find the movie so touching, even after watching it year after year
on television as it still makes its annual broadcast. We need those innocent
reminders of home, value, conflict, purpose and more. While our Summer Blockbuster features focus on Summer Blockbusters, truth is, initially, The Wizard of Oz just doesn't fit into that category. What it does fit into though is a movie with legs, a movie that inspires, one that went on to become the most watched movie in the history of Cinema. It is a lesson for each of us, it isn't always how we start that matters, it is how we finish. Run the race well, and be prepared to win, for no matter how we do in this life, for the follower of Jesus, in the end we gain everything, including eternity with a Savior in a heavenly place that is better than Oz, a place called Heaven that will be appear as; the Land of Ahs! While that may not have been the intent of L. Frank Baun and his theosophy beliefs, it is what I as a follower of Jesus can take out of it and on that matter, I can find cause and reason to celebrate a classic, called The Wizard of Oz.
For a rare treat, click on the following video to watch the first full length OZ film, The Patchwork Girl of Oz from 1914 in its entirety. If the video doesn't work, click on the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z9AY741gGs
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