Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Victor Fleming, MGM, G 102 Minutes.
This timeless classic from director Victor Fleming is considered by many as one of the greatest motion pictures of the past century due to its delightful and imaginative storyline which encompasses the most enjoyable elements of a musically-based family fantasy.
The movie initially opens in black and white showing the young Dorothy (Judy Garland – ‘Easter Parade’) and her pet dog, Toto, being swept-up by a tornado from a farm in Kansas and taken to the magical Land of Oz.
On her arrival Dorothy is greeted by a colourful landscape, at which point she is told by the Good Witch Glinda (Billie Burke – ‘Dulcy’) to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City.
But to enable her to get home she must first seek the help of the Great Wizard of Oz (Frank Morgan –‘The Mortal Storm’).
Along the way Dorothy meets a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger – ‘Sunny’) in need of a brain, a Tin Man (Jack Haley – ‘Scared Stiff’) missing a heart and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr – ‘Ship Ahoy’) wanting courage, before they join her on the journey.
In order to secure the Wizard’s help Dorothy and her friends are asked to bring him the broomstick of the Wicked Witch (Margaret Hamilton – ‘The Invisible Woman’) whose sister’s demise was accidentally brought about by Dorothy.
The foursome soon discover that they must overcome many challenges hurled at them by the Wicked Witch who’s seeking revenge against Dorothy but is foiled because of the Ruby Slippers given to her by Glinda.
On returning with the broomstick, the pretentious Wizard provides Dorothy’s companions with their precious rewards while Dorothy together with Toto use the Ruby Slippers to take them to their farm in Kansas.
Despite the passing of time Fleming’s direction is as near-perfect as it was some eighty years ago, still providing that enchanting attraction for all age groups of a young girl and her dog being transported to a magical place.
Similar to a dream sequence one is treated to a series of spectacular scenes beginning with Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City with her three special friends prior to their meeting with the Wizard.
Besides singing the award-winning song “Somewhere over the Rainbow” there is Garland’s stand-out performance which is complemented by the fine performances of Bolger, Haley and Lahr.
The evergreen ‘Wizard of Oz’ is a cinematic masterpiece that will continue to entertain future movie lovers for many years to come.
The Wizard of Oz is televised on Channel 7flix at 7.00pm on Saturday 5 June.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 ½ Stars
