LIFE The Wizard of Oz: 75 Years Along the Yellow Brick Road

by LIFE

LIFE is where the nation first learned about The Wizard of Oz and its soon-to-be starlet Judy Garland. Seventy-five years after the debut of the classic American movie, this commemorative volume, LIFE The Wizard of 75 Years Along the Yellow Brick Road, includes rare and never-before-seen photography about the iconic film, intimate portraits of the film's stars, and exclusive commentary from renowned contributors, including TIME movie critic Richard Corliss. This celebratory book not only covers the history of the movie, but also explores the legends, lore and the effect the movie had on the nation's film industry and culture- The Wizard of Oz was one of the first color films created.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 9, 1962

About the author

Life was an American magazine published weekly from 1883 to 1972, as an intermittent "special" until 1978, and as a monthly from 1978 until 2000. During its golden age from 1936 to 1972, Life was a wide-ranging weekly general interest magazine known for the quality of its photography.

Reviews

[Anthony McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

TO DOROTHY AND FRIENDS.
This LIFE publication is an enchanting tribute to the iconic film. It provides a detailed history of the complete 'Oz,' i.e. a series of chapters devoted to all aspects of the immortal work including 'The Eternal Oz' with an interesting essay by noted film critic Richard Corliss, an absorbing brief bio of L. Frank Baum, various stage productions and silent screen versions particularly Larry Semon's 1925 effort, all littered with fabulous photos.

The bulk of the book is devoted to the 1939 film and this is thoroughly covered with great photos of the stars, creators and production and whilst not too detailed. still gives the reader enough information and is an excellent introduction for readers who may wish to delve deeper into this film.
The last couple of chapters appear a little superfluous as they explore Judy Garland's post Dorothy career (obviously making the most of LIFE's extensive photo library) and lots of on-location shots of other 1939 films. May not be all that relevant to the main subject but you will gladly accept as an added bonus to this typically well produced LIFE publication.

[Stephanie Ricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps overrating this due to all the extreme nostalgia it triggered, but I'm okay with that. Lovely photos and some behind-the-scenes info I had never heard before. A bit meandering and repetitive in terms of prose, but totally worth a read alone for my discovery that there was a 1933 live-action Alice in Wonderland featuring Gary Cooper as the White Knight and Cary Grant as the Mock Turtle. (You can view the wacky trailer here. You're welcome.)

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift several years ago, but I haven’t looked at it in a long time. It is such a beautiful book with classic stories about the making of the movie. It includes information about the actors, the characters, other movies that were happening at the same time, and remakes of the movie. There were so many things that happened that should have kept this movie from being made, but somehow, it prevailed! But honestly, I was drawn most to the huge photographs. If you love this movie, this is a good book to have in your collection!

[Awjtf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the parts about the movie and the pictures but not the other stuff such as how the show is done today.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great magazine however I wish they would stop reprinting this for every anniversary. The. Same. Magazine.

[Leigh Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, informative book chock full of intriguing facts and trivia. Learn the first choices for Dorothy Gale, the Tin Woodsman, the Wicked Witch of the West, and the Wizard of Oz. Discover the role of "happenstance," or luck, in the filming of this classic musical. Which song was dropped? Which was nearly omitted? How were the movie's special effects created? Which famous directors had a hand in making the motion picture? What great films competed with it for Academy Awards? What's the story of L. Frank Baum, the man who wrote the novel that the film is based on? What is the secret of the film's wide, enduring appeal? All these questions and many more are answered in this rousing tribute to the MGM masterpiece that established Judy Garland as a star. It's a fun, instructive journey along the Yellow Brick Road that, in its own way, is almost as good an experience as watching the film itself.

[Judah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drive by reporting/review of Oz film history, mainly focusing on the 1939 MGM film.

There are quite a few huge errors such as referring to 'Return to Oz' (1985) as an animated feature, identifying Jack Pumpkin Head as the Scarecrow in a still from 'Journey Back to Oz' (1974, this is also identified as a Disney film at one point, it's not it was produced by Filmation).

Typical grocery check out crap with low quality proof reading. LIFE certainly has gone to the dump since its fall in the late 70s.

[Mr. Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and informative read for all fans of this classic film. I love the old pictures, and the background information about the making of the film. It came together in surprising ways; the results are legendary. Includes a wonderful case that it does NOT have a happy ending.

[Christine Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good background info on one of my favorite movies. Nice format, great photos, and an interesting anecdote about the writing of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" that I'd never heard before. Well worth a read for die-hard fans like me. Thanks to my sister for the perfect Christmas present!

[Tamra Headrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wizard of Oz 75 Year Anniversary. Fun, behind the scenes look at the making of the iconic movie. Did you know they wanted to cast Shirley Temple as Dorothy? Great pictures.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the pictures are great, I found this rather repetitive.