Fine, you can have your Tolkiens and your Rowlings and, yes, even your Stephenie Meyers. Especially your Stephenie Meyers. The author with the fantasy series that has done the most to populate popular culture over the past century? L. Frank Baum and his Oz books.
The latest example of Baum’s ongoing impact is “Oz the Great and Powerful.” Come to think of it, “Oz the Great and Powerful” isn’t a bad way to describe Baum’s continuing hold on the public. Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, and Rachel Weisz, the film opens Friday.
Comments
Let's not forget America's "Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man."
I recently borrowed the DVD of the 1939 Wizard of Oz and watched the few extras included. One of them was a deleted jitterbug dance and song that was mind-numbingly awful.
Contrary to what's stated in the article MGM did not get the hoped for big box office when "The Wizard of Oz" was released in 1939. It wasn't a total bust, but it was a major disappointment. It wasn't until the film began showing on television in the 1950's that it became the cultural phenomenon that it is today.
Also, "Return to Oz" was a total bust at the box office, but it is, in my opinion, a great film. However, it's a very different experience than the 1939 film. Some of us love it and other absolutely despise it. For a good time go read the customer reviews at Amazon.