

This is something that's also been explored more recently in the Oz prequels Wicked, the novel by Gregory Maguire that was adapted into the hit musical of the same name, and the 2013 Disney movie Oz the Great and Powerful.
#WIZARD OF OZ WITCH SERIES#
Frank Baum's book series is a lot darker and more complex than the sugarcoated, Technicolor production Hollywood presents, so the idea that such a two-dimensional character carries a lot more grit and depth underneath the surface makes sense. In fact, these Wizard of Oz fan theories claim she's secretly the real villain of the story.
#WIZARD OF OZ WITCH MOVIE#
Right? Maybe not, as some fans think viewers watch the movie all wrong, and Glinda isn't as wholesome as she appears.

As everyone knows, the Wicked Witches of the East and West are evil, while Glinda the "Good Witch" of the North is, well, good. The roles that stood out to me most are the radio sketch show The Billie Burke Show, which aired from 1943-1946 and the short-lived talk show, At Home with Billie Burke, which ran for one season in 1951.The Wizard of Oz remains a cinematic classic decades after its 1939 release, no small feat for a film made during the burgeoning years of Hollywood.

And pink and blue peppermints.” Hamilton said that on Burke’s days off she would sneak into her dressing room to enjoy her lunch.īullie Burke continued to act after The Wizard of Oz. Said Hamilton: “She had a pink and blue dressing room with pink and blue powder puffs and pink and blue bottles filled with powder and baby oil. Besides being nicer because of her superstar status, Burke had decorated the room in her signature classy style. In The Making of The Wizard of Oz Hamilton relates how she was given a very subpar dressing room in comparison to Burke. I came across a The Wizard of Oz fun fact that includes both Margaret Hamilton and Billie Burke in a delightful life imitates art anecdote. That’s 18 years older than her cousin, the Wicked Witch of the West. For instance, Oz enthusiasts readily mention that she was 54 at the time of filming. And like most cast members, she comes with fun facts of her own. I was not even able to find a clip of it online to share.īillie Burke’s most memorable role was, of course, Glinda the Good Witch. This episode has become quite famous in the lore of both the Wicked Witch and Seasame Street, as the producers had to agree never to re-air it following an outpour of dismay and calls to the network about terrified children. Soap opera appearances in the soaps Valiant Lady, The Secret Storm, and As the World Turns.Ī 1976 appearance on Sesame Street, appearing with Oscar the Grouch as the Wicked Witch of the West. Some roles that stood out to me are:ġ966 fantasy film The Daydreamer, a collection of stories by Hans Christian Andersen.Ī suffragist in Laramie, Wyoming who comes to town to encourage women to get politically active in an episode of Laramie. And despite being extremely well-known for her role as the Wicked Witch, she was far from typecast. She was hardly absent from the stage from then until her death. Just months after filming The Wizard of Oz she appeared in another high-profile film, Babes in Arms. Hamilton would be recognized and celebrated as the Wicked Witch of the West for the rest of her life, but she would also enjoy a flourishing and diverse career as an actor.
#WIZARD OF OZ WITCH SKIN#
The dye used on her skin left her with green skin for weeks following production.Īnd my favorite: despite being so iconic, she only appeared in the film for 12 minutes of screen time. This is why she wears long gloves in many scenes, as her arms were scarred at the time. Do you recall her multiple fiery entrances and exits? During one exit from Munchkinland, she caught fire and ended up in the hospital for six weeks with second and third-degree burns. Many of The Wicked Witch of the Wests scenes were either trimmed or deleted. She was one of a handful of actors who sustained serious injuries during production. The Wizard of Oz: Directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy. Hamilton accepted the role and the rest is history. The first actor selected was Gale Sondergaard, who in a short time turned down the role when she found out the Wicked Witch would not be glamorous at all, but rather ugly and unappealing. Carrying Toto To Be Held Captive By The Wicked Witch Of The West Brilliant Colorful Vest And Fez Hat, Original Wings And Tail Impressive Size 6.5' Tall X 5.5' Wing Span Sold by. She wasn’t the first one cast in the role. Our web site features a considerable selection of Wizard Of Oz Ornaments Kurt Adler, in addition to products such as Collectible Doll, Dept 56, Collectible. There are surprising stories about the experience of nearly every actor, Hamilton included. Many readers will know that The Wizard of Oz is a film with a lot of fun and interesting facts.
