Episode 523: Fan Favorite - The Dark Secrets Behind the Wizard of Oz
Dec 25, 2023
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The podcast discusses the dark secrets of filming The Wizard of Oz, including health issues caused by aluminum dust makeup, mishaps on set, disturbing incidents, and mistreatment towards Judy Garland. The speakers reflect on childhood crushes and their connection to the film, while also promoting other podcasts and discussing a TikTok trend.
01:04:25
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Quick takeaways
The filming of the Wizard of Oz was plagued with hazardous conditions, including allergic reactions to makeup and toxic materials.
Director Victor Fleming's abusive behavior towards actress Judy Garland highlights the mistreatment experienced by the cast.
The adverse conditions on the set of the Wizard of Oz had lasting consequences, leading to declining health, cut scenes, and rumors of dark incidents involving the Munchkin actors.
Deep dives
The Hazards of the Tin Man's Makeup
During the filming of The Wizard of Oz, actor Buddy Ebsen, who was originally cast as the Tin Man, suffered from respiratory failure and had to be hospitalized after his lungs were coated with aluminum dust used in his makeup. He was replaced by Jack Haley.
Margaret Hamilton's Fiery Mishap
Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, was severely burned when an explosion on set went wrong. Her makeup caught fire, causing first-degree burns on her face and second-degree burns on her hands. She had to endure alcohol being used to remove the toxic green makeup after her injuries.
Victor Fleming's Abusive Behavior
Director Victor Fleming slapped 17-year-old actress Judy Garland in the face during filming. He later felt remorse and asked crew members to punch him as a form of self-punishment. Judy Garland overheard and chose to kiss his nose instead.
The Dark Secrets of the Wizard of Oz Filming
The filming of the Wizard of Oz was plagued with numerous challenges and hazardous conditions. Actors endured uncomfortable costumes, toxic makeup, and abusive behavior on set. Buddy Ebsen, initially cast as the Tin Man, suffered a severe allergic reaction to the aluminum dust used in his makeup. He was replaced by Jack Haley, who had a contract that allowed the studio to force him into any role. Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, faced intense pressure to maintain a youthful appearance, resulting in a strict diet of soup, cigarettes, and black coffee. The Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by Margaret Hamilton, wore green makeup made with copper oxide, which was toxic. The snow used in the Poppy scene contained asbestos, putting the actors at risk. Overall, the filming process of the Wizard of Oz involved dangerous conditions and the mistreatment of its cast.
The Tragic Consequences and Impact on the Actors
The adverse conditions on the set of the Wizard of Oz had lasting consequences for the actors. Clara Blandick, who played Auntie M, experienced declining health and decided to take her own life due to agonizing pain and impending blindness. Margaret Hamilton, despite her powerful portrayal as the Wicked Witch of the West, had many of her scenes cut because they were deemed too terrifying for young audiences. Judy Garland faced not only physical challenges from her rigorous diet and corset-wearing, but also endured harassment from older actors on set. The actors who played the Munchkins were not exempt from the hardships, with false rumors circulating about a Munchkin actor hanging themselves, perpetuating a dark legacy for the film. Ultimately, the Wizard of Oz serves as a reminder of the hidden struggles and sacrifices made by its cast.
This episode is a fan favorite that was originally published as Episode 281…
For this Holiday week, we wanted to bring you a lighter (?) episode, although it’s really not so light at all! Alaina’s kids have gotten super into the Wizard of Oz and so she decided to do dive into the dark happenings during filming. All kinds of atrocities went down and we are pretty confident that you’ll never watch this movie the same! Sorry…. we mean you’re welcome!
-The Making of the Wizard of Oz By Aljean Harmetz</a> (Be wary that this book is fascinating but uses some outdated language when referencing certain people)