50 Curious Behind-the-Scenes Facts About the Beloved Wizard of Oz

In the 1939 film adaptation, the Scarecrow, while on the journey to the Emerald City, amusingly misquotes the Pythagorean Theorem. Instead of getting it right, he humorously stumbles over the mathematical formula, highlighting his character’s supposed lack of a brain.

The actual Pythagorean Theorem relates to the sides of a right triangle and states that the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. The Scarecrow’s playful mistake adds a touch of humor to the story and underscores his endearing charm. It’s one of many memorable moments that contribute to the film’s enduring appeal, both for its fantastical plot and its light-hearted humor.