Cinemallennials: The Wizard of Oz
By Dave Lewis
On today’s episode of Cinemallennials, I’ll be talking with Lars Henriks, a director, actor, and host of the Lars Henriks Podcast International who picked a film that really needs no introduction, The Wizard of Oz (1939).
From its storied production history to its long list of changes in its illustrious who’s who of writing and directing departments, featuring names like, Victor Fleming, George Cukor, King Vidor, and Herman J. Mankiewicz, The Wizard of Oz has long been considered one of the greatest films of all time. The Wizard of Oz’s legacy is probably one of the most, if not the most widely recognizable not only was its writing and directing nearly perfect, but its casting, musical composition, set design and costuming all have influenced the world of filmmaking ever since the film was released in 1939.
The Wizard of Oz follows the story of a girl from Kansas, Dorothy and her little dog Toto. After feeling underappreciated on her aunt and uncle’s farm, Dorothy decides to run away. She then bumps into a traveling magician who convinces her to return home due to an impending tornado. After getting home, she is soon knocked out by a flying window pane. When she wakes up, Dorothy steps into a new world. A world full of magic and whimsy where she is regarded as a both a hero and a villain for killing the Wicked Witch of the East. The witch’s sister, The Wicked Witch of the West swears revenge on Dorothy and vows to prevent her from returning home. Now stranded and being hunted in this strange land, Dorothy takes the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City in order to seek the advice from Oz, the great and powerful, an all knowing Wizard. While on her way, she encounters a scarecrow, a tin man and a cowardly lion who are also looking for the Wizard. Teaming together, the fellowship travel to the Emerald City, but the road won’t be easy as the Wicked Witch of the West, her flying monkeys and other cronies are hot on their trail. So sit back, relax, and We’re off to see the wizard!
You can purchase The Wizard of Oz here.
This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast.
Cinemallennials is a podcast where Dave and another millennial are introduced to a classic film for the very first time ranging from the birth of cinema to the 1960s. Dave and his guest will open your eyes to the vast landscape of classic film as they discuss the films' performers, their performances, those behind the camera, and how they and their films still influence our world today. You can find his official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles here.