The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 M.G.M.Classic Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 M.G.M.Classic Book

The Wizardry of Oz, directly flouting the orders of the famous Wizard, asks us to pay attention to the man behind the curtain--all the men and women, in fact, who made the captivating visuals of The Wizard of Oz possible. The book is a beautiful and entertaining record of exactly how the stunning sets, costumes, and makeup in the classic movie came to life. Fascinating images crowd every page--makeup tests, storyboards, and costume renderings show the evolution of the look and feel of the movie, while lighting plans and set blueprints reveal the technical intricacies involved. The text is no less engaging, filled with tales of technical problem-solving. How to make Glinda's bubble shimmer properly? Would witchy ruby slippers be too unflattering for the young Dorothy? And how did they make that still-scary cyclone? The book is also peppered with sidebars and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, such as the startled reactions of other MGM players running across the garishly dyed versions of the Horse of a Different Color. One of the greatest pleasures of the book is the opportunity to look long and hard at the intricate sets (ever notice the hand-for-a-bookmark in the Witch's Tower?) and elaborate background matte paintings. Even the appendices are charming, including a complete listing of the cast and crew and a tribute to the career of Terry the terrier, later known to the world as Toto. Thoroughly researched and affectionately written, The Wizardry of Oz is a marvelous tribute to the making of one of the best movies ever made. --Ali DavisRead More

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  • Product Description

    The Wizard of Oz is one of the most popular and beloved motion pictures of all time. Seen by over one billion people worldwide since its 1939 premiere, Oz is an indelible part of our national consciousness---as much a part of our earliest childhood memories as it is an experience to be shared with succeeding generations.

    Why does The Wizard of Oz endure despite modern advances in film make-up and special effects? This new book explores the construction of Oz at the height of Hollywood's golden age, and under the auspices of filmdom's greatest studio. Written by the nations leading Oz authorities, and with a Foreword by the Cowardly Lions make-up man, The Wizardry of Oz is a fascinating trip over the rainbow---from concept to realization.

    For the first time in print, details about Oz's make-ups, costumes and special effects are revealed, accompanied by rare stills, Technicolor test frames, and blueprints. Actual costumes and props---now priceless treasures---are presented from the archives of memorabilia collectors, supplemented with never-before- conducted interviews with Ozs cast and crew. Included are behind-the-scenes stories of the stars---Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton---as they worked on the film; more than 260 color and black-and-white illustrations; a list of the films of one of Oz's "biggest" stars---Toto; the complete credits for the film, augmented from the M- G-M archives; and a bibliography.

    The book is a must for anyone who's ever hummed, "We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!" Here then is The Wizard of Oz from the ground up-- -brick by yellow brick!

  • 0517203332
  • 9780517203330
  • William Stillman, Jay Scarfone
  • 1 May 2001
  • Gramercy Books
  • Hardcover (Book)
  • 224
  • illustrated edition
  • Illustrated
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