5 Dark Secrets And The Enduring Legacy Of Judy Garland’s The Wizard Of Oz On Its 85th Anniversary

The Wizard of Oz, a cinematic masterpiece released in 1939, continues its reign as one of Hollywood's most beloved films, but its dazzling exterior hides a profoundly tragic story, especially for its star, Judy Garland. As of late 2024, the film is celebrating its monumental 85th Anniversary, prompting a fresh look at the magic—and the darkness—behind the production that cemented Garland's legacy as a global icon. This enduring tale of Dorothy Gale's journey down the Yellow Brick Road remains a cultural touchstone, but contemporary analysis reveals a harrowing chapter in Hollywood history for the 16-year-old actress at its center.

The timeless appeal of the film is being reignited with new releases and events, yet the conversation has shifted to acknowledge the grueling conditions and personal toll that the role of Dorothy took on Garland. From her struggles with studio control and drug dependency to the film's lasting influence on cinema and pop culture, the story of Judy Garland and The Wizard of Oz is a complex tapestry of triumph, tragedy, and unparalleled talent.

Judy Garland: A Brief Biographical Profile

Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm, was an American actress and singer whose career spanned four decades, making her one of the most celebrated and tragic figures of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her exceptional talent, particularly her powerful and expressive singing voice, captivated audiences worldwide.

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• Birth Name: Frances Ethel Gumm
• Born: June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, U.S.
• Parents: Frank Avent Gumm and Ethel Marion Milne
• Early Career: Began performing in vaudeville with her two older sisters as The Gumm Sisters, later renamed The Garland Sisters.
• Signed to MGM: Signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) at the age of 13 in 1935.
• Iconic Role: Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939) at age 16.
• Key Films: A Star Is Born (1954), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), and Easter Parade (1948).
• Key Awards: Juvenile Academy Award (for Oz), Golden Globe Award, and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Death: June 22, 1969, in London, England, at age 47.

The 85th Anniversary Spotlight: 2024’s Fresh Look at Oz

The year 2024 marks the 85th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, and the milestone has brought the film and Judy Garland's performance back into the cultural spotlight with several high-profile, modern updates and events. This renewed interest is driving a new generation to discover the classic while offering fans upgraded ways to experience the magic.

A New Era of Viewing: 4K Ultra HD Release

To honor the anniversary, Warner Bros. is releasing a special edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set of the film, scheduled for release on November 5, 2024. This high-definition restoration allows audiences to see the vibrant Technicolor of the Land of Oz and the sepia tones of Kansas with unprecedented clarity. The release is part of a broader trend to preserve and present classic cinema in the best possible format, ensuring the visual spectacle of the film—from the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle to the Emerald City—remains breathtaking for decades to come.

Big Screen Classics and New Documentaries

Throughout 2024, Fathom Events is celebrating the anniversary by bringing the film back to select theaters as part of its Big Screen Classics series. These theatrical re-releases allow fans to experience the film's grandeur and iconic musical numbers, such as "Over the Rainbow," on the big screen once again. Furthermore, a new documentary focusing on the film, titled Mysteries of Oz 85 Questions Answered, is expected to be released in late 2024, promising to explore the magic, music, and myths surrounding the making of the classic.

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The contemporary focus on the anniversary also includes a deeper, more critical analysis of Garland's portrayal of Dorothy Gale. Scholars and critics are now examining how her performance, as a 16-year-old inhabiting the role of a nine-year-old girl, laid the groundwork for her eventual status as a legendary figure and a "gay icon," a title often associated with her later struggles and enduring vulnerability.

The Hidden Price of Stardom: 5 Dark Secrets from the Oz Set

While The Wizard of Oz is universally cherished, the behind-the-scenes reality for Judy Garland was a devastating experience, fraught with mistreatment and grueling conditions imposed by the powerful studio system of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). These revelations cast a dark shadow over the film's joyful fantasy and are a key part of the contemporary discussion surrounding Garland’s legacy.

1. Forced Drug Use and Grueling Schedules

The most shocking revelation involves the studio's control over Garland's body and energy. To maintain the demanding shooting schedule and keep her weight down, the 16-year-old star was allegedly given a cocktail of drugs. This regimen included amphetamines (pep pills) to keep her energetic and working, and later, barbiturates to force her to sleep. This studio-mandated drug use is widely cited as the catalyst for her lifelong struggle with addiction, contributing to her eventual tragic death.

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2. The Alleged Munchkin Harassment

In a disturbing account, Garland herself later spoke of alleged harassment on the set. According to her, some of the adult male actors who played the Munchkins would engage in inappropriate behavior. She stated that some of the actors would try to grope her and were prone to heavy drinking. This environment highlights the lack of protection afforded to a minor star working under the intense pressure of a major Hollywood production.

3. A Shockingly Low Salary

Despite being the film's leading star and carrying the entire production, Judy Garland's salary was disproportionately low compared to other actors and the film's massive budget. She was reportedly paid just $500 a week for her work on the film. In contrast, her co-stars, such as the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), were paid significantly more, underscoring the exploitative nature of her contract with MGM, which controlled virtually every aspect of her life.

4. The Traumatic Flying Monkeys Scene

The film’s iconic Flying Monkeys scene was not only terrifying for audiences but also for Garland's own children. Her daughter, Lorna Luft, revealed that Garland refused to show her kids the film after they had a traumatic viewing experience of the scene. This anecdote underscores the emotional intensity of the film and perhaps reflects Garland's own complex feelings about the darker elements of the production she endured.

5. The Asbestos Snow and The Tin Man's Poisoning

While not directly related to Garland, the dangerous production methods further illustrate the grueling conditions. The "snow" used in the film was actually asbestos, a highly toxic material now known to cause severe health issues. Additionally, the original Tin Man actor, Buddy Ebsen, suffered a severe allergic reaction and was hospitalized due to the aluminum dust makeup, forcing him to be replaced by Jack Haley. These facts reveal a reckless disregard for the cast and crew's safety for the sake of cinematic effect.

The Enduring Legacy Beyond the Rainbow

Despite the darkness of its production, The Wizard of Oz remains a testament to Judy Garland's monumental talent. Her performance as Dorothy Gale, a young girl seeking to return home to Kansas, is a masterful blend of innocence and yearning that resonates across generations. The film's message of finding courage, heart, and brains within oneself—and the powerful theme of "There's No Place Like Home"—has cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon.

Garland's portrayal is now viewed through a lens of greater understanding, recognizing the immense pressure she was under. Her vulnerability and powerful voice in "Over the Rainbow" have made her a symbol of resilience and a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, who often connected with her struggles and the emotional depth of her performances. The 85th Anniversary in 2024 serves not just as a celebration of a movie, but as a crucial moment to re-evaluate the human cost of Hollywood's Golden Age and to honor the complex, yet brilliant, legacy of Judy Garland.