WIZARD OF OZ, THE (1939) In the Emerald City

The Wizard of Oz is the most recognized film of all time. Its status is legendary and any original ephemera of 1939 is a collectors’ and archivists’ gold. From L. Frank Baum’s popular children’s classic, the film referring to the book opens with the title “For nearly forty years this story has given faithful service to the Young in Heart; and Time has been powerless to put its kindly philosophy out of fashion.” For 80 plus years since, the movie has become beloved by new generations who still find this message true. The brilliant cast members each became film legends for the characters they portrayed. Celebrating a new year, we present a fine array of original 1939 production stills for your consideration.

WIZARD OF OZ, THE (1939) [Hollywood]: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939. Vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm.) black-and-white double weight glossy silver nitrate photo print, ABOUT FINE. Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, dir: Victor Fleming; MGM.

Brilliant wide lens image of the four main characters in the Emerald City surrounded by its inhabitants. The characters react to the Wicked Witch of the West’s skywriting message. The fantasy Art Deco-influenced set was designed by Cedric Gibbons, while Adrian had a creative field day with his interpretation of how the citizens of Oz would dress. Original studio print ink date stamped “Jan. 27, 1939” was released soon after the Jan. 1939 filming on this set.  The stamped photo number of “1060-102” is present, as is the printed original text.  There is a minor crease at the top right corner and two minor creases near the bottom right corner.