Episode 224: The Wizard of Oz (1939)

This week at The Film Club we’re kicking off March with the return of one of our favorite theme months, Musical March! To begin the month we’re talking about one of the greatest films of all time, The Wizard of Oz! The film follows Dorthy Gale a young girl who lives on her Aunt and Uncle’s farm in Kansas. Dorthy’s dog Toto doesn’t like nearby neighbor Ms Gulch and during an unfortunate encounter with Ms Gulch Toto bites her. Dorthy is terrified about what Ms Gulch is going to do about Toto and Dorthy’s fears come to fruition when Ms Gulch arrives at her home to present her aunt and uncle with an order from the sheriff to seize Toto. Dorthy’s aunt and uncle begrudgingly hand over Toto to Ms Gulch and Dorthy is devastated. After Ms Gulch leaves with Toto on her bike Toto manages to escape Ms Gulch and runs back home to Dorthy. Dorthy is elated to be reunited with Toto but doesn’t want to get her aunt and uncle in trouble with the sheriff or surrender Toto back to Ms Gulch, so Dorthy decides she and Toto must runaway from home. As Dorthy and Toto begin their journey they encounter a man named Professor Marvel who is a fortune teller, Dorthy tells the Professor of her struggle and he convinces her to return home to her heart broken aunt. As Dorthy and Toto hurry home a twister is headed towards her farm and when she’s able to seek shelter alone in her home she’s hit by flying debris and when she awakens her and Toto are no longer in Kansas. Join us as we dive into the world of The Wizard of Oz.