The Wizard of Oz (1939): 20 Shocking Facts You Totally Missed

The Wizard of Oz (1939): 20 insane behind the scenes facts you never knew The first Tin Man nearly died making this movie. Buddy Ebsen’s face was covered in pure aluminum powder, it coated his lungs, and he was hospitalized in critical condition. Jack Haley replaced him, but Ebsen’s voice is still in the film: listen to the group recording of We’re Off to See the Wizard. Margaret Hamilton suffered second and third degree burns when a trapdoor dropped too late during the Witch’s fiery exit. She never sued, because she knew she’d never work again if she did. Her stuntwoman spent eleven days in the hospital after the broom pipe exploded underneath her. And MGM tried to cut Over the Rainbow after a preview screening. Four different directors sat in that chair, and the one credited was pulled off to go rescue Gone with the Wind, the movie that then beat Oz for Best Picture. The tornado was a thirty five foot muslin stocking. The horse of a different color was painted with Jell-O. The Tin Man’s oil was chocolate syrup. And Dorothy’s slippers were silver in the book. And the bonus: a stolen pair of those ruby slippers sold in 2024 for more than ten times what the entire movie cost to make. ⏱ Timestamps in the video 👇 Which fact surprised you the most? Let me know below