The beloved 1939 The Wizard of Oz has captured the hearts of audiences for generations with its tale of a young girl’s journey to the magical land of Oz. However, behind the scenes of this cinematic masterpiece lies a treasure trove of curious facts that offer a glimpse into the making of this iconic film. From unexpected friendships and hidden dangers to deleted scenes, there’s a lot we don’t know about the classic film. Join us as we venture behind the emerald curtain to uncover the surprising details that add new dimensions to the timeless magic of Oz.
#1: Apple Juice, Anyone?
In the 1930s, when The Wizard of Oz was filmed, they didn’t have the technology we have today to create special effects, so they had to develop unique methods. A surprising and somewhat unconventional method created a realistic fire effect. The filmmakers used apple juice as a clever stand-in for flames to achieve the dramatic scene where the Wicked Witch of the West meets her fiery demise.
The innovative special effects team mixed apple juice with a hidden substance to create a controlled burn that convincingly mimicked fire without posing the same risks as actual flames. This clever use of apple juice ensured the safety of the cast and crew and added a unique touch of creativity to one of the film’s most iconic moments. It shows that sometimes, Hollywood’s magic lies in unexpected places, even in a simple glass of apple juice.