Horse of a Different Color—and Other Oz Wonders
The Wizard of Oz has captured hearts for over 85 years—and the magic didn’t stop at the screen. Behind the curtain, the cast and crew created a colorful world filled with imagination,
creativity, and a few delightful surprises. A Real Horse of a Different Color
Remember the horse that changed colors in the Emerald City? That wasn’t a trick of lighting. The production team used flavored
gelatin powders to tint the horse’s coat. Each scene featured a different color—purple, yellow, or red—and the horses happily licked off the sweet treat between takes.
"Over the Rainbow" Was Almost Cut
Can you
imagine Oz without its most iconic song? Studio execs nearly removed "Over the Rainbow," thinking it slowed down the story. But thankfully, it stayed in—and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Ruby Slippers That Sparkled for Real
The ruby slippers weren’t just props—they were handmade with thousands of sequins, giving them their famous sparkle. Only a few authentic pairs still exist today, and they’re considered among the most valuable pieces of film memorabilia ever created.
The Tornado Was a Genius
Special Effect
That spinning cyclone that carries Dorothy to Oz? It was actually a 35-foot-long muslin stocking, spun in place on a special rig and filmed against a miniature Kansas set. It was cutting-edge for its time—and it still looks pretty great today.
Toto Was a Star in Her Own Right
The dog who played Toto was a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. She was paid more than some of the Munchkin actors, had her own dressing room, and starred in over a dozen movies!
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