The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a musical fantasy film released in 1939 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film is based on L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's fantasy novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It was primarily directed by Victor Fleming (who left the production to take over the troubled Gone with the Wind). The story follows Dorothy Gale and her dog are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, where they start on a quest with three new companions to see the Wizard, who can restore her home and fulfill others' wishes.

The Wizard of Oz was a popular film when it was first released on August 25, 1939, because of its use of Technicolor, fantasy tale, musical score, and memorable characters. The film was a critical triumph, receiving six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won two awards: Best Original Song for "Over the Rainbow" and Best Original Score by Stothart.

Detailed Information:

Running time: 101 minutes

Directed by: Victor Fleming

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr

Budget: $2.8 million
Box office: $29.7 million