08-08-2022, 12:23 PM
I'll go out on a limb here and assume you've all seen this, so I won't bother with a synopsis.
I first saw this on TV back in 1956 just shy of age 6. Of course, that was on a small B&W TV.
I've seen it a couple times since.
This time we went with friends to see it at the Stanford Theater. I suppose I focused mostly on the sets and certain scenes I've heard little-known facts about. For instance, when they are about to march on the Wicked Witch's castle, the Scarecrow is armed with a gun. It goes away quickly, coming to naught, and violates so-and-so's writing rule that if you show a gun, at some point it have to be fired. Also I took note of the Wicked Witch of the West's exit from an early scene in a puff of smoke followed by a burst of flame. It's a great effect, but not used again, because Margaret Hamilton suffered burns while going through the trapdoor. I also tried to see some sign of the pressures or abuse Judy Garland suffered throughout. But she's always so perfectly a wide-eyed innocent Dorothy I'd never have suspected it.
The audience was a mixed bag in many ways. 80% were without masks, though their use was stated as required. For certain famous scenes, some in the audience applauded, and some spoke aloud certain famous lines. There was a pseudo Rocky Horror Picture Show feel to the whole affair, though not all were on board.
All in all, a weird, schizophrenic, but enjoyable event.
I first saw this on TV back in 1956 just shy of age 6. Of course, that was on a small B&W TV.
I've seen it a couple times since.
This time we went with friends to see it at the Stanford Theater. I suppose I focused mostly on the sets and certain scenes I've heard little-known facts about. For instance, when they are about to march on the Wicked Witch's castle, the Scarecrow is armed with a gun. It goes away quickly, coming to naught, and violates so-and-so's writing rule that if you show a gun, at some point it have to be fired. Also I took note of the Wicked Witch of the West's exit from an early scene in a puff of smoke followed by a burst of flame. It's a great effect, but not used again, because Margaret Hamilton suffered burns while going through the trapdoor. I also tried to see some sign of the pressures or abuse Judy Garland suffered throughout. But she's always so perfectly a wide-eyed innocent Dorothy I'd never have suspected it.
The audience was a mixed bag in many ways. 80% were without masks, though their use was stated as required. For certain famous scenes, some in the audience applauded, and some spoke aloud certain famous lines. There was a pseudo Rocky Horror Picture Show feel to the whole affair, though not all were on board.
All in all, a weird, schizophrenic, but enjoyable event.
