It may seem lucky that Judy Garland, despite being the studio’s second choice, got the role of Dorothy Gale, but we never really know the effect our experiences and opportunities will have on us until much farther down the road. Beyond being forced to take drugs while on set Garland was also made to wear a corset for the part. At 16 she was a teenager, her body and her life were changing. Despite everything the studio also insisted she lose another 12 pounds.
The Wizard of Oz may have solidified Garland as a bonafide Hollywood star, but the continued evidence of abuse and exploitation she suffered continues to haunt her legacy, as well as that of MGM studios, all these years later. How, as a teenager in the public spotlight, could she ever be expected to recover from the comments about her weight, and the constant demands that she improve her appearance by men many times her own age? Garland once said of herself, “I was frightful. I was fat – a fat little pig in pigtails.” MGM worked to build her public image, but never once considered her self-esteem.
Why Shirley Temple?
Shirley Temple was the darling of American film in the 1930's. She starred in everything: The Little Princess, Heidi, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, to name only a few. She was a paparazzi princess. Her photos and her off set antics were in all of the magazines. There is even a photo where you can see the Wizard of Oz book on one of the pint sized star's own bookshelves.
She was also blonde, the very image of the Dorothy from the books. It was really no wonder producers went after her for the part when they began casting The Wizard of Oz film.
Arthur Freed Voted For Garland
In Hollywood Arthur Freed was a legendary producer and lyricist. He was never credited with any work on The Wizard of Oz film, but he did receive a promotion from MGM for his contributions. This promotion eventually led to his first credit with Rodgers and Hart's Broadway musical, Babes in Arms, which also starred The Wizard of Oz's, Judy Garland, along with Mickey Rooney. The trio of Freed, Garland, and Rooney would work together on a number of successful "backyard" musicals throughout their careers.
While Louis B Mayer voted for Shirley Temple for the role, Freed insisted that Judy Garland, with her singing chops, she was a much better choice.
The Famous Dress
Dorothy Gale's blue and white gingham dress is one of the most recognizable costumes in Hollywood history. Beyond its look, the dress was designed with particular pockets for use in very specific scenes. In the seam of the skirt, for instance, there is a hidden pocket that held the handkerchief that Dorothy uses to wife away the Cowardly Lion's tears on screen.
Being one of the most recognizable costumes in the history of Hollywood certainly paid off when the dress itself went up for auction in November of 2012. The single blue checkered gingham dress fetched nearly half a million dollars at auction.
Margaret Hamilton As The Wicked Witch Of The West
Margaret Hamilton will always be most recognized for her roll as the Wicket Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. However, before being cast in the blockbuster, she lived a quiet life as a schoolteacher and character actress. She'd never done anything like playing the green meanie in the MGM Technicolor fantasy. The Wicked Witch remains a classic movie villain, recognizable all overthe world over. Hamilton will always be remembered for her role as one of the top 5 movie villains of all time.
Despite her evil doppelganger on film, Margaret Hamilton was actually very active in causes connected to the welfare of children and animals, and was a very prominent advocate for public education.