The Munchkins of Oz

by Stephen Cox

In November 1938 a crowd of more than 120 tiny actors ambled through the gates of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios in Hollywood. Headed for the set of one of America’s all-time classic movies, The Wizard of Oz, they were about to become known as Munchkins. Few movies have ever achieved the popularity and acclaim of The Wizard of Oz. It made the reputations of Judy Garland and many others, but ironically, the diminutive actors and actresses who peopled Munchkinland weren’t even listed in the credits. Most of us have never heard their names. Now their story is finally told in a new and revised edition as thirty ex-Munchkins reveal their amazing personal stories. The Munchkins of Oz offers a fresh perspective on the filming of The Wizard of Oz and what went on behind the scenes. We learn about life on the Munchkinland set, how they were recruited, intimate memories of the stars, and the Munchkins’ lives before and after Oz. More than 300 photos, many first published in this book, illustrate and enhance the lively text. ENTERTAINMENT; FILM 300-PLUS B/W ILLUSTRATIONS 8-PAGE COLOR INSERT 8” X 10”, 224 PAGES PAPERBACK

Genres: Nonfiction

225 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Barbara (Bobby) Title · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enlightened! And in doing so, I had questions answered that I hadn't even known to ask, which made for VERY INTERESTING READING!

The book is an easy "pick upper and put downer," making it perfect for a busy person to have on the coffee table or nightstand. I was never a fan of "The Wizard of Oz" until two little granddaughters wanted to see it at least twice every time I babysat them. The characters, including the munchkins, became familiar to me, and reading this book so many year later (the granddaughters are now in high school) was like being re-introduced to folks I had met several times in the past.

That this book could have used a light touch of editing to smooth out a few things - and maybe a good graphic artist's touch to clarify the layout a bit - doesn't mean it isn't good. Cox knows what he is talking about, for sure. Next step for me is to get out my old DVD and sit down for a fresh look at the Movie, book in hand and with all my new knowledge! It'll be SO much fun.

Then I'll loan the book out to my older family members, those who remember when.....

[Grace Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love to read behind-the-scenes books about movies I like. There is not a lot of information out there about the people who played the munchkins in The Wizard of Oz. I didn't know that their names weren't even in the credits.

[Sara Jordahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very happy I read this. Its going to give me a complete new out look for the next time I watch the movie. Very eye opening! While the books layout is a little annoying to deal with at times the pictures and little back stories are great as well!

[Tom Shrimplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining history of how the Munchkins were recruited for THE WIZARD OF OZ and the individual stories of each Munchkin. If you like the movie, you'll really enjoy this book!

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a revised version of "The Munchkins Remember the Wizard of Oz and Beyond". Cox was wise, in this newer edition, to include color photographs, a bit more information about the non-munchkin actors, and some updated information about the munchkins themselves. Everything you might want to know about the munchkins is here - and perhaps more. There's a full list of the actors (who are not credited in the film), as well as mini biographies for many of them, including, of course, their memories of their time in Oz. Cox also touches on the medical differences between midgets and dwarfs (the munchkins were midgets, along with a handful of average sized children to swell the crowd), gives some insight into the challenges of being a little person in a less enlightened era, and some of the cruelty they endured from strangers, family, and even Judy Garland. My eyes glazed over a bit while reading about their management, contracts, etc., but a true Oz connoisseur will appreciate having the information. A lot packed into a small volume, and it's particularly nice to have this chronicle now that only one of the munchkins still lives.

[Keli Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had SO MUCH FUN reading this book. great trivia and it was fun for me to know the true story about the midgets that played the munchkins. I recommend for any fan of the movie or triva

[Melissa Dally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable treasure trove of information about the Wizard of Oz in general, the munchkins, the actors who played them, and little people who lived back then.

[Linda Appelbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite movie was Wizard of Oz, so I like reading about making the movie.