WIZARD OF OZ, THE (1939) Rare oversized exclusive of Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow

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 10 x 13″ (25 x 32 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.

A very rare and likely exclusive oversize studio print of Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow. That the image lacks a production code/still number indicates its use for an exclusive magazine or newspaper article. Oversize images for The Wizard of Oz are rarely found. Bolger’s favorite role of his career, he fought hard to win the part and never tired of relaying the story’s ongoing philosophy to the public. Minor bend at top right corner, minor smudging.