Thirty-four Miles from the Yellow Brick Road

 

Thirty-four Miles from the Yellow Brick Road

 

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

The Yellow Brick Road first appeared on the silver screen 75 years ago at the Strand Theater in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin–thirty-four miles from where I currently live.  On August 12, 1939, attending the world premiere of the magnificent movie The Wizard of Oz at the Strand Theater cost 25 cents for a matinee, 40 cents for an evening showing, and only a dime for a child’s ticket.  Since the film’s executives wanted the movie to be first shown in America’s “Heartland,” the world premiere was in Wisconsin while the Hollywood premiere did not occur until three days later.  Although one may not be certain why Oconomowoc was the chosen city, historians note a couple of connections between the film  and the area of Wisconsin.  For example, the actor who portrayed the Munchkin mayor was from nearby Watertown.

 

On this 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Oconomowoc continues with its annual outdoor showing of the famous film.  Even though the Strand Theater was razed decades ago and the location is currently a parking lot, a historical marker is displayed at the site; and the city (whose name is derived from the Potawatomi word for “Waterfall”) happily celebrates its historical significance.

 

While I know I have enjoyed the theatrical production Wicked once in Chicago and once in Milwaukee, I could not begin to count the number of times I watched the magical movie The Wizard of Oz.  In the 1950s, when I first began watching the film on television, the broadcast coincided for a number of years with the Holiday Dance at Perona’s Hall, in Blanford, Indiana.  Thus, while my parents were getting ready to go to the dance, I was trying to watch Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto.  However, I remember that for a few broadcasts, I went behind the wall whose archway separated our living room from our dining room–for protection from the frightening parts of the remarkable story.  As I grew older, I thoroughly enjoyed the film from the black-and-white opening to the closing credits.  On this 75th anniversary, I know that throughout the remainder of my movie-watching days, I will periodically be captured by the wonder and mastery of The Wizard of Oz.

 

While I have a special place in my heart for the acting of Shirley Temple in all her childhood movies, I am thankful that Judy Garland–not Shirley Temple–played the role of Dorothy.  No other singer and actress could portray Dorothy like Ms. Garland–she did deserve those ruby slippers.

 

 

Paw-script:  Of course, Leader Dog Zoe gives a “four-paw” review to the wonderful dog that portrayed Toto.

 

Happy Movie-watching!

Alice and Zoe

 

August 13, 2014, Wednesday

 

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