Lions, and Tigers, and Bears – Oh My!

What is there to say about a movie like The Wizard of Oz? If I had to compile a list of films that have been seen by the most people worldwide, the Victor Fleming directed musical adventure fantasy would likely land somewhere near the top of my list.

I recently chatted with acclaimed comedian Kevin Downey Jr., who has carved out an ever growing niche in the difficult world of stand-up. The funny man, who caught his big break on season eight of the hit television show America’s Got Talent (making it all the way to the quarterfinals and being championed by all of the judges, but especially Howard Stern and Howie Mandel), has never looked back, launching himself to the “A” circuit, playing large clubs across North America, while being a frequenter on the highly entertaining morning radio program “The Bob and Tom Show”, as well as also making appearances on Comedy Central, What Not to Wear and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

Following his highly entertaining set at The Port Theatre in Cornwall, Ontario, the comedian was gracious enough to chat with me. We discussed his appearance on America’s Got Talent, comedy in general, his name (which may bring to mind an Avengers super hero), and obviously, his favourite film – check out the interview below to hear Downey Jr.’s thoughts on all these things – including The Wizard of Oz.

Based upon the L. Frank Baum books, the memorable tale follows a girl named Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland). Living in Kansas with her Auntie Em (Clara Blandick) and Uncle Henry (Charley Grapewin), as well as her dog Toto, the girl’s pet gets into trouble after biting an unfriendly neighbour, Miss Gulch (Margaret Hamilton). Dorothy is unable to get the attention of her busy family, or farmhands Hunk (Ray Bolger), Hickory (Jack Haley) or Zeke (Bert Lahr), and soon after, the detestable Gulch returns to claim the dog, looking to get it euthanised.

Toto is able to escape her treacherous grasp and returns to his beloved owner. Dorothy then decides to run away to protect her precious pet, and on her journey, meets the mysterious Professor Marvel (Frank Morgan), a phony fortune teller with a kind heart. Realizing that the girl has flown the coop, he convinces her to return home (claiming that her aunt is deathly ill). Caught in a vicious windstorm, Dorothy seeks refuge in her bedroom, as she is unable to get into the storm cellar. Receiving a whopping hit on the head, she soon realizes that she is caught in the centre of the tornado.

When she lands, it is clear that she is not in Kansas anymore. Dorothy has entered the vivid world of Oz – specifically, the town of Munchkinland, and is tossed into a battle of good versus evil, as her house accidentally fell on the Wicked Witch of the East. Ingratiating herself to the Munchkins (a small, childlike folk) as well as a good witch named Glinda (Billie Burke), the enraged sister of the deceased, the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) arrives to claim her sister’s magic ruby slippers. With a flick of her wand, Glinda makes sure that they find their way onto the feet of Dorothy instead of the fearsome foe. Cursing the young girl (and threatening revenge), the Wicked Witch disappears in a puff of smoke. Glinda guides Dorothy on a journey to follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City – where The Wizard of Oz may be able to help her return to her original home.

Setting off on the grave journey, she meets three friends along the way. The bendy Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) who was never given a brain, the rugged Tin Man (Jack Haley) who is missing a heart, and the aptly named Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), who is desperately seeking courage.

Dodging the witch, her flying monkeys and her vile magic along the way, the newly formed group eventually make it to the striking begemmed metropolis. Meeting the elusive wizard (a gargantuan head engulfed by fiery flames), the sage magician agrees to grant them their unusual requests if they bring him the Wicked Witch’s broomstick. Will Dorothy and her motley crew be able to best the abhorrent villain in her darkly ominous castle, or will they fail in their dangerous, epic quest?

With the Kansas (real-life) portion being filmed in sepia-tinged black and white, and the Oz section done in graphic Technicolor, Victor Fleming transports us to a magical world that ensnares our imagination. In an interesting comparison, the 1946 Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger film A Matter of Life and Death utilizes the reverse scenario, portraying the world in glorious colour, while heaven is filmed in drab black and white.

Taking us on a fantasy-filled journey, we are part of the difficult task placed on the youthful Dorothy and her newly met compatriots. I can recall my childhood fascination with the motion picture, always questioning where the red brick road led (it was intertwined with the more famous yellow brick road) – clearly room for a sequel here. Some have said that it leads nowhere, while others argue it would bring you to Glinda’s castle, in any case, it signifies the imagination and passion people have for the film (as the topic is still being discussed in online blogs today).

Featuring marvellously choreographed song and dance routines, as well as a wide array of intriguing creatures (the makeup is still impressive today), children and adults alike still get a kick out of the Munchkins (who couldn’t love the Lollipop Guild) and every other engaging character. It is a credit to the wonderful cast, as we cannot imagine The Tin Man being played by anyone else (originally, future Jed Clampett of The Beverly Hillbillies television series, Buddy Ebsen, was cast in the role – though he had an awful reaction to the makeup), while someone like Margaret Hamilton became typecast after playing such a foul witch.

Filled with countless headaches, a revolving door of directors (Richard Thorpe, George Cukor and King Vidor) were brought in for the film. Similarly, such things as makeup disasters, Hamilton nearly being burnt to death after her trapdoor failed, the wires holding the flying monkeys snapping – the fall injured them, caused issues on set. Going severely over budget, it still made a slim profit, and exceeded expectations through re-releases.

Sounding like the stuff of legend, perhaps the most intriguing story is when the wardrobe department began looking for a sharp, formal jacket that was slightly aged for Morgan’s Professor/Wizard. After a long and arduous search, they discovered a number of perfect pieces at a second-hand shop. Fleming selected the one used in the movie, stating that it had felt like it oozed “shabby gentility”. One day, Morgan, playing in his pockets, discovered a label with the name L. Frank Baum. Reaching out to his widow, they discovered that it truly was from the original author’s wardrobe – they presented it to Mrs. Baum upon the film’s completion.

The Wizard of Oz is, simply put, a classic piece of cinema. Having as many fables surrounding it as facts, we have heard mysterious suggestions that we can see someone hanging themselves in the background of a scene (not true), or that it can be perfectly synched with Pink Floyd’s album “Dark Side of the Moon” (never tried it). Known as “Dark Side of the Rainbow”, there are an intriguing amount of similarities, according to those who have attempted the rock `n roll add on. Featuring a fascinating ending, memorable dialogue, superb acting, a rousing soundtrack and incredible production values, The Wizard of Oz still ensnares our senses and enlivens our minds. So, discover how there is no place like Oz by re-watching this classic family feature – now, go off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz.