Some historians interpret the original book and film as an allegory for U.S. monetary policy in the late 19th century [17, 19]. Cultural Impact
The film's popularity exploded after its first television broadcast in 1956, becoming a cherished family tradition [26, 31, 42]. Director Victor Fleming (among others) Budget $2.8 million Box Office $25.6 million Starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr The Wizard of Oz(1939)
The story emphasizes gratitude for home and the importance of family and friends [11, 19, 26]. Some historians interpret the original book and film
A central theme is that the qualities the characters sought (brains, heart, courage) were already within them [1, 12, 27]. Director Victor Fleming (among others) Budget $2
After a tornado hits Kansas, farm girl and her dog Toto are transported to the magical Land of Oz [28, 30]. To return home, Dorothy must follow the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard in the Emerald City [28]. Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow (seeking a brain), a Tin Man (seeking a heart), and a Cowardly Lion (seeking courage) while evading the Wicked Witch of the West [28, 30]. Production & Technical Achievements