She then tries to run away from home when Gulch insists on taking Dorothy's dog, Toto away, and finds herself in the company of a fortune teller named Professor Marvel (Frank Morgan). 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Even though Garland could complete the scene after this incident, it goes on to show the dehumanizing control that Fleming had over her. The Tin Man poster for Fred R. Hamlins musical extravaganza. Please select which sections you would like to print: Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The Cowardly Lion is, according to Littlefield, a representation of William Jennings Bryan, who was a hero of the Populist movement at the time. The character actor also portrayed the Railway Station Master Mr. Ballard with a love for roses who finally wins the annual flower show in his village shortly before dying in a bombardment in Mrs. Miniver. This entry was posted in History and tagged Frank Capri Director, Henry Travers, Henry Travers Grandpa Vanderhof, It's a Wonderful Life Clarence, It's A Wonderful Life movie, Lionel Barrymore, Travers John Heagerty, You Cant Take It With You. Uncle Henry appears in Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz, voiced again by Stephen Root. In an article entitled "The 'Wizard of Oz' as a Monetary Allegory" (1990), Hugh Rockoff examined the analogies between Baum's use of imagery and the monetary politics of the Populist era. Add to Watchlist. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. It might sound far-fetched that a childs tale dealt with such weighty issues, but not only was Baum a political reporter for part of his life, he was also a resident of South Dakota for several years. by David B. Parker. Henry Travers Birth Name: Travers Heagerty Profession Actor Actor 55 Credits Renegade 1994 The Father Dowling Mysteries 1990 Thrill of a Romance The Party's Over The Sisters Dodge City High. After precariously navigating a kingdom made entirely of fine china, the companions find themselves at the mercy of a race of creatures known as the Hammerheads, and are aided by the Flying Monkeys. L. Frank Baum published his famous novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, in 1900, and underneath the surface of the story, with all its whimsy and childish delights, is what some literary historians claim is a very thinly-veiled allegory. With workplace harassment, lethal makeup, and pay gaps, there were several issues with the film that would not stand well in today's times. The rest of the movies cast was a familiarity. As published in the JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF HISTORIANS, vol. Oz in the film is a modernist mass of neon-striped skyscrapers that is blatantly artificial (Credit: Alamy). 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The Winged Monkeys destroy the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman and cage the Cowardly Lion, but they bring Dorothy and Toto to the witch, who enslaves Dorothy. When they leave the city and the glasses are removed, Dorothy discovers that the green dress she was given is actually white, and it is later revealed by Oz himself that he forces the people of the city to wear the glasses in order to make the city seem more magical than it actually is. Things are a little more concise in the novel. It is also possible that "Aunt" and "Uncle" are affectionate terms of a foster family and that Dorothy is not related to either of them. Hickory (Tin Man's alter ego) addresses Aunt Em as "Mrs. Gale" just before she offers crullers to the three farmhands, and Hunk (Scarecrow's alter ego) does so just afterward. He died in 1869. Once again, the rest of the novel was likely removed due to time constraints. In the 1974 animated film Journey Back to Oz, Paul Ford voices Uncle Henry. Similarly, Ray Bolgerincurred scars on his face from the uncomfortable Scarecrow mask that made it difficult for him to breathe during shooting. T hursday marks 80 years since the Aug. 15, 1939, Hollywood premiere of the film classic The Wizard of Oz, the story of a tornado that hits Kansas and transports a young girl named Dorothy,. The books related political undertones were first identified in 1964 in an analysis by a historian named Henry Littlefield. . Semon becomes a scarecrow, Hardy briefly disguises himself as a Tin Woodman, and Snowball is given a Lion suit by the Wizard . The companions head to the land of the Winkies, ruled by the Wicked Witch of the West. He also had another brother, Daniel George Belsaigne Heagerty, and a sister, Mary Sophia Maude Heagerty. Like many other theatre actors, he made his first movie only with the advent of sound films. He and Aunt Em have a farmworker named Amos (voiced by Larry Storch) who does not have an alter ego in Oz. When Dorothy and her companions come across a field of poppies, it doesn't take long before Dorothy, Toto, and the Lion (Bert Lahr) fall into a deep sleep. Updates? Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. Travers' first wife was actress Amy Forrest-Rhodes. Discover the characters and themes at the heart of the memorable story. 21. A Daily Variety news item dated August 17, 1938 stated that 134 dwarfs had been signed and that the studio was searching for more. Henry was given the job of being Keeper of the Jewels in Ozma's treasure hoard for the purpose of keeping him occupied. In fact, the Good Witch of the North has a different name according to the other Oz novels. He also hosts a podcast called 'BhindiWire', an Indian parody of IndieWire. The name "Gale" appears on the mailbox and Miss Almira Gulch (Wicked Witch's alter ego) addresses him as "Mr. Gale". True, we cant take anything the humbug Wizard says too seriously, but these are radical sentiments to hear in any Hollywood film, let alone a Hollywood film aimed at children. Dorothy frees the Cowardly Lion and engages the help of the now free Winkies in repairing and rebuilding the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow, and the friends return to Oz. They were married from 1931 until her death in 1954. 1. The film is still renowned for its practical effects, songs like Over The Rainbow, and 16-year-old Judy Garland's star-making performance as Dorothy. Accordingly, the Wicked Witch of the East represents the pernicious figures that dehumanized those workers. She was hospitalized for six weeks but refused to sue the producers for the harm done. Read another story from us: Wizard of Oz Stolen Ruby Red Slippers Recovered, 13 Years Later. Baum was 44 when "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was published and by then he'd tried his hand at a variety of jobs. At the suggestion of a soldier, Dorothy and her friends go to seek the help of Glinda, the Witch of the South. As instructed by the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins, Dorothy sets off on the yellow brick road to try and find her way to the Emerald City and the Wizard of Oz, who can help her get home. The film is still renowned for its practical effects, songs like Over The Rainbow, and 16-year-old Judy Garland's star-making performance as Dorothy. The cyclone, according to a discussion of the story on the Wicked website, may represent the Free Silver Movement or perhaps just political upheaval in general. Reading suchvitriolby Baum today could definitely be scarring to those who appreciated him in their childhood. I have a feeling we're not in Hollywood anymore. It would seem surprising but back in the 1930s, asbestos was commonly used in film sets and for Christmas decorations. From the far north they heard a low wail of the wind, and Uncle Henry and Dorothy could see where the long grass bowed in waves before the coming storm. This is a memorable line in L. Frank Baum's renowned childrens book: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (published in 1900). It is a feel-good story of a lost girl finding her way back home, as she makes new friends in a fantasy realm known as Oz. Henry was given the job of being Keeper of the Jewels in Ozma's treasure hoard for the purpose of keeping him occupied. (This 3-strip film process was truly expensive . Then in the 1970s, three decades after its release, the movie gained a newfound interest and dedicated fans. The Wizard of Oz (1939) is one of the greatest movies of all time, and is considered by cinephiles and critics alike to be a classic and essential movie. Dorothy is a young girl who lives in a one-room house in Kansas with the care-worn Uncle Henry and Aunt Em; the joy of her life is her dog, Toto. It's quite aconfusing and unnecessary detail that doesn't fit well with the rest of the film's aesthetic. If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to ourFacebookpage or message us onTwitter. In a gloriously gonzo final flourish, he floats off into the sky with a cheerful cry of: I cant come back. The Producer of the smash-hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat presents a brand-new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ, one of the world's most beloved musicals.. A sensational cast joins Dorothy and Toto this Summer at The London Palladium for an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road!. The film is perennially popular because it explores many of the issues and fears that children ages 5 - 12 must confront as they mature. He died in 1965 at the age of 91. He has a broken leg throughout the film that Aunt Em insists is mended. He gained more stage experience there on Broadway working with the Theatre Guild, and began his long film career with Reunion in Vienna (1933). T he Yellow Brick Road has become a well-known emblem of the beloved fairy tale The Wonderful Wizard of Oz But, does the Yellow Brick Road actually lead to a political hierarchy? Travers settled in the United States and played frequently from November 1917 until December 1938 on Broadway in over 30 plays, and was described in The New Yorker as 'one of the most consistent performers now in the American theatre, and at the same time one of its least appreciated'. When Dorothys house falls on the Wicked Witch of the East, its a reference to smashing Wall Streets power. RELATED: Recasting 'The Wizard of Oz' in the 2020s. G.M. Bert Lahr in his costume as the Cowardly Lion in Victor Flemings 1939 The Wizard of Oz. This is likely because the filmmakers really wanted to showcase the capabilities of Technicolor, and red is obviously a more vibrant color than silver. For its time, The Wizard of Oz had quite the ensemble but it was obvious that the protagonist Dorothy carried the crux of the movie, be it through her monologues or the songs. In the book, the Wicked Witch of the West only has one eye. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Historian Henry M Littlefield's essay on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1964. Your email address will not be published. Bryan was even referred to as a lion in the press. . ( Log Out / After decades in the business and over 50 films, Travis' appeared in just one more movie, a 1949 comedy, "The Girl for Jones Beach," starring Ronald Reagan. The Lion earns his stripes as well, as he finds a group of animals in the woods, and kills a giant spider plaguing their colony. Think about that. The Wizard of Oz was produced under Hollywood's old studio system, meaning most people who worked on this film were under contract with MGM, not its individual projects. Because of the sensitive nature of gun violence, movies rated PG or PG-13 must avoid the excessive use of firearms. Over a century after its initial publication, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is still captivating the hearts of countless readers. This meant that he was present to observe the rise of the Populist movement among farmers of the West, and their formation of the Peoples Party to address a variety of economic issues in the country. He was buried in St. Ann's Cemetery in Kansas. Musical theatre impresario Webber and acclaimed lyricist Rice have collaborated on many hit musicals including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar . Frank Alexander portrayed him as a villain in Larry Semon's Wizard of Oz. The cowardly lion is William Jennings Bryan, the leader of the Democratic Party, supported by the farmers and workers of the populist movements. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. Parents need to know that the 1939 fantasy The Wizard of Oz contains several scenes that may be scary for very young children, almost all of which involve the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West and her band of creepy flying monkeys.Most parents who've seen the movie before know that the plot includes a disastrous tornado, and an enchanted forest full of red-eyed creatures and talking trees. He is played by Matt Clark opposite Piper Laurie. It is later revealed that the real Henry Gale was indeed a balloonist who died upon crashing on the islandjust one of the many references to Baum's Oz novels on the show. On the other hand, its been pointed out that Baum was not a Populist himself, and theres no clear reason why he would encode their message into his book. Many things in this world arent always what they seem to be at first glance, and childrens books are no exception. From there, the Scarecrow is trusted to rule Oz, and the Tin Man is appointed leader of the Winkies, who previously served the Wicked Witch of the West. RELATED: 10 Movies From the 1930s Everyone Should See At Least Once. [9] His last play on Broadway You Can't Take It with You was his best known, where he acted in over 380 performances in two years. Parallels between the Wizard and William Jennings Bryan have also been noted, possibly because Bryan had been a . We are, once again, welcoming new teachers in this 2022-2023 school year! Dorothy arrives at her farmhouse and chats with three farmhands, HIckory (Jack Haley), Hunk (Ray Bolger), and Zeke (Bert Lahr). A veteran of the English stage, actor Henry Travers came to Hollywood in the early 1930s and is best known as Clarence the guardian angel from Frank Capra's classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." The relaxed demeanor and bemused whimsy of Travers's angel, who hopes to earn his wings by helping a depressed and suicidal James Stewart to find the . Superman, in his earliest comic-book appearances, is an anarchist wrecking ball who doesnt battle supervillains, but the fat cats responsible for slums and unsafe mines. The Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) appears very early on in The Wizard of Oz, initially showing up to claim the ruby slippers from her sister's corpse. The Cowardly Lion is, according to Littlefield, a representation of William Jennings Bryan, who was a hero of the Populist movement at the time. Capra tapped the steady Lionel Barrymore to portray the miserly banker, Mr. Potter and mainstay. Henry Littlefield, an American author, educator, and historian, believes that the scenes in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz have a deeper meaning in contrast to the seemingly simple plot. The Cowardly Lion. Dorothy goes to fetch him as her aunt and . Since, aside from illustrations, a novel only really occurs in its reader's mind's-eye, it was able to be a little more creative. It doesn't really affect the story, but her appearance in the book is described as even more grotesque than Hamilton's iconic green makeup and prosthetics. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Uncle_Henry_(Oz)&oldid=1089170529, This page was last edited on 22 May 2022, at 08:55. PG. The Wiz (1978) Another Wizard of Oz adaptation inspired by a stage (musical) version of the story, The Wiz reimagines the classic story as an urban fantasy adventure with a famously all-black cast . Toto knocks over a screen, revealing that Oz is only a common man. I dont know how it works! There arent many films that show politicians being quite as brazenly incompetent as that. Stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale and Terry the Dog as Toto. Actress Judy Garland was seventeen years old at the time of the film's release, so Dorothy is more than likely around the same age. Travers played the role of Grandpa Vanderhof, the patriarch of the oddball Sycamore family. Bryan was even referred to as a lion in the press. - The films that defined Generation X. As a young man in upstate New York, he bred prize-winning chickens, published a. This causes Dorothy to despair at apparently being left in Oz forever. Her sister, the Witch of the West, symbolizes the financial elite who lived in the western region of the country such as railroad magnates, bankers, etc. The Wizard of Oz (1939)Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack HaleyDirector: Victor Fleming Won 2 Oscars for Best Original Scor. RELATED: 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About The Wizard Of Oz. A cyclone hits; terrified, Dorothy's dog Toto hides under the bed. Omissions? His most famous stage role was in You Cant Take It With You, a Pulitzer Prize winning play about a man from a family of rich snobs who becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family. In over 380 performances. The witch sends Dorothy off along the yellow brick road with a magical kiss to protect her from harm. 'The Wizard of Oz': 10 Biggest Differences Between the Movie and the Book, Recasting 'The Wizard of Oz' in the 2020s, 10 Movies From the 1930s Everyone Should See At Least Once, 10 Best Horror Villains of the 20th Century, The Best Turner Classic Movies To Watch on HBO Max, The 10 Best Liam Neeson Action Movies Since 'Taken', Heres Why Jentorra From Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania Looks So Familiar, Zombies in TV & Movies Ranked by How Likely You Are to Survive Them. He eventually becomes ruler of the Emerald City when the Wizard leaves in his balloon. But Fleming and his team conjured up the most powerful of childrens movies: a twister that whirls us into a world of hardship and chaos, of useless leaders and their gullible followers, and then reminds us that its the very same world we were in already. JoinBBC Culture Film Clubon Facebook, a community for film fanatics all over the world. Travers John Heagerty, better known as Henry Travers, was an English stage actor who came to America in 1917 and starred in numerous Broadway productions that spanned nearly two decades. Hill Co. Ruth Plumly Thompson gave him only two brief mentions, in The Royal Book of Oz and Grampa in Oz. Farmers of the Midwest wanted the dollar to have value equal to fixed ratios of both gold and silver, instead of just gold. So it's surprising then to find the Scarecrow wielding a gun in a harmless children's fantasy like The Wizard of Oz. Check out the video below to see how money is actually made: Toto at the Emerald City, from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz first edition. 1921 Locust Yearbook Public Domain Photo Wikimedia. In both cases, the killings are accidents, the results of pure chance rather than Dorothys bravery or virtue. The story features Dorothy (Judy Garland), a young girl who is whisked away to a magical, yet unfamiliar land, and her desperate struggle to get back home to Kansas. Fri 24 Jul 2009 19.01 EDT. Aside from working for Collider, he has also done work for other small, independent companies all around his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. If you have not read the book or seen the movie, you have probably at least heard the well known phrase "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" or heard of Toto, Dorothy's dog. Interestingly, this also implies that in the book, Dorothy really did go to Oz, while the movie alludes to the idea that it may have all been a dream.
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