Wizard of Oz with Shirley Temple 1939

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The Wizard of Oz went through many changes from start of production to finished film. Mutiple screenwriters wrote assorted drafts, the original director, Richard Thorpe was fired after a week to have all his scenes reshot by new director Victor Fleming, and the cast could have been quite different.

 Before Judy Garland captured the role of Dorothy the studio considered borrowing Shirley Temple from 20th Century Fox. She was closer to age of protagonist in the book but her singing voice wasn't quite right for the songs in the movie. Another consideration was Deanna Durbin, who had a beautiful singing voice and was six months older than Garland. 

W. C. Fields was first chosen as the Wizard. I think he could have been great as Professor Marvel and the various disguises of the Wizard but Frank Morgan was so good in the film I feel he was the right choice. Ray Bolger was originally cast as the Tin Man and Buddy Ebsen as the Scarecrow but Bolger wanted switch parts. Buddy Ebsen filmed for nine days before having to be hospitalized after having a reaction to the aluminum dust in the makeup. Although he was replaced by Jack Haley his voice is still in movie during the song "We're Off to See the Wizard". Gale Sondergaard was going to be a beautiful Wicked Witch of the West. Makeup and costuming tests were done but as the character was turned into a "hag" she dropped out and Maragaret Hamilton stepped in. She became identified with that role reprising it on "Sesame Street" and "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special".

On set footage of deleted musical number I mention on the back of the cover can be seen here: https://youtu.be/UB9BdxPDCwQ?si=85lTalbwOUpx2jSb

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