The Wizard of Oz

Tonight I saw The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland and Margaret Hamilton.

I've seen this film countless times, of course, growing up with it on TV once a year, then owning a VHS copy, then a DVD version and attending multiple anniversary showings. Tonight's occasion was a Throwback Thursday presentation at a local indie theater. That was reason enough for me to attend.

Though made in the late '30s, the film's themes and sentiments continue to have relevance in present day. For example, when the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) mutters that "... some people without brains do a lot of talking" the audience clapped and cheered.

The story is simple: a young Kansas farm girl, Dorothy (Garland), gets caught in a tornado and passes out. While she's unconscious she travels to the land of Oz, a magical place where she's joined by three new friends, along with her dog Toto, on a journey to see the Wizard, who they hope can help them all in one way or another and send her safely home. A wicked witch (Hamilton) tries to stop them each step of the way, coveting Dorothy's new ruby slippers, which possess magical qualities.

Though the effects are of their time, the colors and sets still look beautiful all these years later and the heart of the film rings true: Courage, belief in self and goodwill toward others will lead you to your ultimate goal no matter what lies in your path. You just have to find the strength to overcome it.

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