The Origins of Oz

Hollywood's 1939 classic film depicting Dorothy's visit to the magical kingdom of Oz has been seen by more viewers more times than any other film in history. Filmmaker Anne MacGregor's Smithsonian Channel-aired documentary delves into the background of the movie, the book, and author L. Frank Baum. Narrated by singer Natalie Merchant, The Origins of Oz celebrates Baum, pointing out that he is remembered not for his failed careers as a shopkeeper and newspaper owner, or his days as an early Hollywood filmmaker, but rather for the story that became the first in a series of books about Oz. Married to the daughter of a suffragette, Baum created “the first feminist character in American literature” in “the first genuine American fairy tale,” which was “the Harry Potter of its day.” When Baum collaborated with illustrator W.W. Denslow on a book called Father Goose, the success of the venture encouraged Baum to come up with an original tale for Denslow to illustrate, and the rest—as they say—is history. Topics covered include the differences between Baum's novel and the motion picture, and a helpful description of the three-strip Technicolor process pioneered in the film The Wizard of Oz. The appeal here lies largely in the comfort of revisiting a familiar subject with a little more background and some commentary on pop culture (in one scene, gawking tourists venerate the ruby slippers on display at the Smithsonian as if they were the crown jewels). Released to coincide with the arrival of the big budget Hollywood prequel Oz the Great and Powerful, this is recommended. Aud: P. (F. Gardner)