Judy Garland, who would have turned 100 years old this week, wasn’t just billed as “the world’s greatest entertainer” – in her time, she really was.
Garland was much more than just little Dorothy Gale from Kansas who once had an adventure in far-off Oz. She spent 45 of her 47 years in show business, eventually making 34 feature films and more than 200 radio appearances, releasing 80 singles and 12 albums, making 60 TV appearances (including 30 of her own shows), and doing 1,100 concerts.
“She had the amazing ability to convey joy and pathos and humor and sincerity and honesty,” says author and Emmy-winning producer John Fricke (“Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art and Anecdote”), “yet by giving of herself on that level, she had no guard, no protective shield. She was a million percent vulnerable.”
See More: Judy Garland: Her Life in Photos
Just watch 16-year-old Judy sing “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz...
Garland was much more than just little Dorothy Gale from Kansas who once had an adventure in far-off Oz. She spent 45 of her 47 years in show business, eventually making 34 feature films and more than 200 radio appearances, releasing 80 singles and 12 albums, making 60 TV appearances (including 30 of her own shows), and doing 1,100 concerts.
“She had the amazing ability to convey joy and pathos and humor and sincerity and honesty,” says author and Emmy-winning producer John Fricke (“Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art and Anecdote”), “yet by giving of herself on that level, she had no guard, no protective shield. She was a million percent vulnerable.”
See More: Judy Garland: Her Life in Photos
Just watch 16-year-old Judy sing “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz...
- 6/9/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
“You think anything’s going to stand in the way of us playing the Palace this time? Oh no, not even a war.”
Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in For Me And My Gal (1942) will be available on Blu-ray June 7th from Warner Archive. It can be purchased at the Warner Archive Amazon Store
Judy Garland got top billing at the mere age of 20 as the central star of this quintessential classic that introduced none other than Gene Kelly, making his film debut as her co-star.
Directed with panache by the legendary maven of the movie musical Busby Berkeley, the films casts Gene and Judy as young vaudeville performers Harry Palmer and Jo Hayden.
The pair dream of stardom, but the United States enters World War I and Harry receives his draft notice–trapping the two between their obligation to each other’s dreams and their duty to their country.
Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in For Me And My Gal (1942) will be available on Blu-ray June 7th from Warner Archive. It can be purchased at the Warner Archive Amazon Store
Judy Garland got top billing at the mere age of 20 as the central star of this quintessential classic that introduced none other than Gene Kelly, making his film debut as her co-star.
Directed with panache by the legendary maven of the movie musical Busby Berkeley, the films casts Gene and Judy as young vaudeville performers Harry Palmer and Jo Hayden.
The pair dream of stardom, but the United States enters World War I and Harry receives his draft notice–trapping the two between their obligation to each other’s dreams and their duty to their country.
- 5/20/2022
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A 300-year-old violin, reputed to have been played on the Oscar-winning “Wizard of Oz” score, will go on the auction block next month and could fetch as much as 20 million.
The rare Stradivarius belonged to Odessa-born Toscha Seidel, widely considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century, famed for his rich tone and emotional intensity.
Estimates are that the violin could bring between 16 million and 20 million at auction, partly because of its excellent condition and partly because of its history. There are about 600 Stradivarius violins in existence worldwide; the highest price paid for a Strad was 15.9 million in 2011, so the Seidel instrument could mark a new world record.
Seidel made his American debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1918 and toured the U.S., Europe and Australia throughout the 1920s. He was a frequent performer on New York-based CBS Radio in the early 1930s but moved to...
The rare Stradivarius belonged to Odessa-born Toscha Seidel, widely considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century, famed for his rich tone and emotional intensity.
Estimates are that the violin could bring between 16 million and 20 million at auction, partly because of its excellent condition and partly because of its history. There are about 600 Stradivarius violins in existence worldwide; the highest price paid for a Strad was 15.9 million in 2011, so the Seidel instrument could mark a new world record.
Seidel made his American debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1918 and toured the U.S., Europe and Australia throughout the 1920s. He was a frequent performer on New York-based CBS Radio in the early 1930s but moved to...
- 5/4/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
“Money is just like women and popcorn: the more you get the more you want.”
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in Girl Crazy is currently available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive. Ordering info can be found Here
Mickey Rooney. Judy Garland. Gershwin music. And Tommy Dorsey to play it. Who could ask for anything more? From Garland’s rendition of “But Not for Me” to the grand finale of “I Got Rhythm,” Girl Crazy is one of the most buoyant tunefests ever put on-screen. Rich kid Danny Churchill (Rooney) has a taste for wine, women and song, but not for higher education. So his father ships him to an all-male college out West where there’s not supposed to be a female for miles. But before Danny arrives, he spies a pair of legs extending out from under a stalled roadster. They belong to the dean’s granddaughter, Ginger Gray...
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in Girl Crazy is currently available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive. Ordering info can be found Here
Mickey Rooney. Judy Garland. Gershwin music. And Tommy Dorsey to play it. Who could ask for anything more? From Garland’s rendition of “But Not for Me” to the grand finale of “I Got Rhythm,” Girl Crazy is one of the most buoyant tunefests ever put on-screen. Rich kid Danny Churchill (Rooney) has a taste for wine, women and song, but not for higher education. So his father ships him to an all-male college out West where there’s not supposed to be a female for miles. But before Danny arrives, he spies a pair of legs extending out from under a stalled roadster. They belong to the dean’s granddaughter, Ginger Gray...
- 7/19/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Burbank, CA, August 22, 2019 – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that 1939’s acclaimed and beloved classic The Wizard of Oz will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on October 29th. Directed by Victor Fleming (Gone With the Wind) and starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gayle, The Wizard of Oz is widely considered to be one of the most influential films in cinematic history.
Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s tale about a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow, The Wizard of Oz officially premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on August 15, 1939. The film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed Gone With the Wind), produced by Mervyn LeRoy, and scored by Herbert Stothart, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Ray Bolger appeared as the Scarecrow; Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman.
Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s tale about a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow, The Wizard of Oz officially premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on August 15, 1939. The film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed Gone With the Wind), produced by Mervyn LeRoy, and scored by Herbert Stothart, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Ray Bolger appeared as the Scarecrow; Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman.
- 8/24/2019
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Exclusive: Chasing Rainbows: The Road To Oz, a new Judy Garland bio-musical that got an industry presentation in New York last week, has received the rare endorsement of Garland’s daughter Liza Minnelli and the Garland Estate.
“My mother said that her biography is in her music, and now a talented creative team is using that music to tell the story of her early years and her extraordinary rise to fame,” Minnelli said in an exclusive statement to Deadline. “I’m grateful and happy they’re telling the fascinating story of her early history.”
Deadline also has an exclusive sneak peek at a new Chasing Rainbows promo – a “remix” video of the production’s take on “Got a Pair of New Shoes,” a song Garland performed in Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry, her 1937 film with Mickey Rooney. Watch it below.
The musical – being performed in a concert version at New York...
“My mother said that her biography is in her music, and now a talented creative team is using that music to tell the story of her early years and her extraordinary rise to fame,” Minnelli said in an exclusive statement to Deadline. “I’m grateful and happy they’re telling the fascinating story of her early history.”
Deadline also has an exclusive sneak peek at a new Chasing Rainbows promo – a “remix” video of the production’s take on “Got a Pair of New Shoes,” a song Garland performed in Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry, her 1937 film with Mickey Rooney. Watch it below.
The musical – being performed in a concert version at New York...
- 1/14/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Wizard of Oz is a film that needs no introduction (certainly not since the 70th Anniversary Edition), but the latest release is one that actually gives you a lot to talk about, mainly by way of the 3D aspect.
The hype was pretty impressive for the 3D release of the film in theaters, and if you have a 3D home option, this is probably a key film despite the lack of massive effects, but if you’re in the market at all, you also probably have a copy of this.
Of course, there is some additional bonus content (unless you’re getting the massive Collector’s Edition, and then you’re all set… reviews are unnecessary for you), and it’s actually very cool, but the majority of the special features are on that competing Blu-Ray you already own.
So, there are three big questions for the new Wizard of Oz Blu-Ray 3D.
The hype was pretty impressive for the 3D release of the film in theaters, and if you have a 3D home option, this is probably a key film despite the lack of massive effects, but if you’re in the market at all, you also probably have a copy of this.
Of course, there is some additional bonus content (unless you’re getting the massive Collector’s Edition, and then you’re all set… reviews are unnecessary for you), and it’s actually very cool, but the majority of the special features are on that competing Blu-Ray you already own.
So, there are three big questions for the new Wizard of Oz Blu-Ray 3D.
- 10/16/2013
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Chicago – What more could possibly be said about “The Wizard of Oz,” arguably the most beloved film of all time? (It’s probably this or “It’s a Wonderful Life.”) In one of 2013’s most surprising critical hits, “Oz” actually became relevant again in terms of technology, and I’m not talking about Sam Raimi’s mostly-awful “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” There seems to now be an answer to the question, “Has there ever been a good 3D remastering of a classic film?” Decide for yourself on 3D Blu-ray.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
It makes perfect sense that “Oz” would get a 3D treatment given the wonder inherent in the film’s journey from Kansas to Oz. Why just go color when you can go 3D? Warner Bros. includes over 2 hours of extras on their newest “Oz” Blu-ray release, the most interesting of which will be “The Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
It makes perfect sense that “Oz” would get a 3D treatment given the wonder inherent in the film’s journey from Kansas to Oz. Why just go color when you can go 3D? Warner Bros. includes over 2 hours of extras on their newest “Oz” Blu-ray release, the most interesting of which will be “The Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,...
- 10/11/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
This week: A party at James Franco's house rages on as the Apocalypse gets it on outside in the outrageous horror comedy "This Is the End," starring Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robertson and featuring cameos from numerous celebrities.
Also new this week is the based-on-a-true-story thriller "The Frozen Ground," "The Amityville Horror" Trilogy on Blu-ray, and "The Wizard of Oz" 75th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray 3D.
'This Is the End'
Box Office: $101 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Fresh
Storyline: This end-of-the-world comedy follows six celebrities — James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson — as they're trapped in Franco's house in the Hollywood Hills at the beginning of the Apocalypse. After cabin fever sits in, they are eventually forced to leave the house and face their fate ... and discover the true meaning of friendship.
Extras!: Both the DVD...
Also new this week is the based-on-a-true-story thriller "The Frozen Ground," "The Amityville Horror" Trilogy on Blu-ray, and "The Wizard of Oz" 75th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray 3D.
'This Is the End'
Box Office: $101 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Fresh
Storyline: This end-of-the-world comedy follows six celebrities — James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson — as they're trapped in Franco's house in the Hollywood Hills at the beginning of the Apocalypse. After cabin fever sits in, they are eventually forced to leave the house and face their fate ... and discover the true meaning of friendship.
Extras!: Both the DVD...
- 9/30/2013
- by Robert DeSalvo
- NextMovie
There's no place like home, there's no place like... Hollywood.
"The Wizard of Oz" first introduced the world to the wonders of Technicolor on August 15, 1939, at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Last night, 74 years and one month later, Warner Bros. premiered "The Wizard of Oz: An IMAX 3D Experience" at the grand reopening of the theater, now Tcl Chinese Theatre IMAX, recently renovated to maintain that sense of grandeur.
Among the many guests on the ruby red carpet were Ruth Duccini (one of the two surviving Munchkins, pictured above), Molly Ringwald, Marcia Gay Harden, Mario Lopez, John Fricke (a "The Wizard of Oz" historian), Danielle Wade (Dorothy in the current national tour of the Broadway adaptation), and many more.
Take a trip over the rainbow and check out the world premiere photos below. "The Wizard of Oz" in 3D IMAX lands in theaters September 20.
"The Wizard of Oz" first introduced the world to the wonders of Technicolor on August 15, 1939, at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Last night, 74 years and one month later, Warner Bros. premiered "The Wizard of Oz: An IMAX 3D Experience" at the grand reopening of the theater, now Tcl Chinese Theatre IMAX, recently renovated to maintain that sense of grandeur.
Among the many guests on the ruby red carpet were Ruth Duccini (one of the two surviving Munchkins, pictured above), Molly Ringwald, Marcia Gay Harden, Mario Lopez, John Fricke (a "The Wizard of Oz" historian), Danielle Wade (Dorothy in the current national tour of the Broadway adaptation), and many more.
Take a trip over the rainbow and check out the world premiere photos below. "The Wizard of Oz" in 3D IMAX lands in theaters September 20.
- 9/16/2013
- by Erin Whitney
- Moviefone
Here’s your first look at the trailer for The Wizard Of Oz which will be presented in the immersive IMAX 3D format. It will return to the big screen for an exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX theatres across North America beginning September 20, 2013.
Marking the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. has produced a 3D remastered version of the film which will launch a comprehensive, cross-divisional campaign encompassing theatrical, home entertainment, consumer products and a number of promotional partnerships.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with IMAX® as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of this iconic film,” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The Wizard of Oz IMAX® 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.”
“The Wizard of Oz is...
Marking the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. has produced a 3D remastered version of the film which will launch a comprehensive, cross-divisional campaign encompassing theatrical, home entertainment, consumer products and a number of promotional partnerships.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with IMAX® as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of this iconic film,” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The Wizard of Oz IMAX® 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.”
“The Wizard of Oz is...
- 7/1/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Marking the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. has produced a 3D remastered version of the film which will launch a comprehensive, cross-divisional campaign encompassing theatrical, home entertainment, consumer products and a number of promotional partnerships.
Kicking off the celebration, The Wizard of Oz 3D will be presented in the immersive IMAX® 3D format and return to the big screen for an exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX® theatres across North America beginning September 20, 2013.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with IMAX® as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of this iconic film,” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The Wizard of Oz IMAX® 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.”
“The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved films...
Kicking off the celebration, The Wizard of Oz 3D will be presented in the immersive IMAX® 3D format and return to the big screen for an exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX® theatres across North America beginning September 20, 2013.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with IMAX® as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of this iconic film,” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The Wizard of Oz IMAX® 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.”
“The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved films...
- 6/5/2013
- by Philip Sticco
- LRMonline.com
Marking the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. has produced a 3D remastered version of the film which will launch a comprehensive, cross-divisional campaign encompassing theatrical, home entertainment, consumer products and a number of promotional partnerships.
Kicking off the celebration, The Wizard of Oz 3D will be presented in the immersive IMAX® 3D format and return to the big screen for an exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX® theatres across North America beginning September 20, 2013.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with IMAX® as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of this iconic film,” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The Wizard of Oz IMAX® 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.”
“The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved films...
Kicking off the celebration, The Wizard of Oz 3D will be presented in the immersive IMAX® 3D format and return to the big screen for an exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX® theatres across North America beginning September 20, 2013.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with IMAX® as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of this iconic film,” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The Wizard of Oz IMAX® 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.”
“The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved films...
- 6/4/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It's been nearly 75 years since The Wizard of Oz first hit theaters and it remains a classic even by today's standards. In order to celebrate the momentous occasion, Warner Bros. is re-releasing the film in theaters in 3D and IMAX as well as coming out with a special collector's edition blu-ray. Come inside to check out the release date and all the details on the new set.
To be quite honest, I'm not looking forward to seeing a 3D conversion of Wizard of Oz. It's not a film I feel really needs it, as it's visual style is powerful enough all on its own. However, I am really looking forward to the new blu-ray set they're coming out with for the film's 75th anniversary. WB sent us the details on the new set, which included brand new special features, and will be hitting store shelves on October 1st. Below I've...
To be quite honest, I'm not looking forward to seeing a 3D conversion of Wizard of Oz. It's not a film I feel really needs it, as it's visual style is powerful enough all on its own. However, I am really looking forward to the new blu-ray set they're coming out with for the film's 75th anniversary. WB sent us the details on the new set, which included brand new special features, and will be hitting store shelves on October 1st. Below I've...
- 6/4/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
With the release of Sam Raimi’s CGI-heavy fantasy film Oz the Great and Powerful coming this weekend, it seems appropriate to look back in time more than 70 years to the release of one of the most influential films of all time: The Wizard of Oz. Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the story had been made into a film previously (once as a silent film in 1925 and again as a short film in 1933). However, it was Victor Fleming’s musical rendition of the story that left the brightest mark on the cinema landscape. This commentary was included on the 2005 DVD release, which is also included on the 70th anniversary 2009 DVD and Blu-ray discs. The late Sidney Pollack serves as emcee for the commentary, introducing archival interviews with cast, as well as family members of deceased cast and crew. The Wizard of Oz (1939) Commentators: John Fricke (historian), with archival...
- 3/7/2013
- by Kevin Carr
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Karl Slover, one of the last surviving cast members of the 1939 hit "The Wizard of Oz," has passed away at age 93, reports the BBC. Slover was one of the smallest male Munchkins in the movie. He played the lead trumpeter, a townsman in Munchkinland and a soldier.
John Fricke, author of "100 Years of Oz," tells the BBC, "Of the 124 little people, he's one of the handful who got to enjoy this latter-day fame, to have people know who he was and be able to pick him out of the crowd in the movie."
In 2007, seven of the survivor Munchkins were honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. One of them, Meinhardt Raabe, who played the Munchkin coroner, passed away in April 2010. Slover is in the below picture, which is from the Walk of Fame ceremony. He is in the middle wearing a brown suit. Raabe is on the far left.
John Fricke, author of "100 Years of Oz," tells the BBC, "Of the 124 little people, he's one of the handful who got to enjoy this latter-day fame, to have people know who he was and be able to pick him out of the crowd in the movie."
In 2007, seven of the survivor Munchkins were honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. One of them, Meinhardt Raabe, who played the Munchkin coroner, passed away in April 2010. Slover is in the below picture, which is from the Walk of Fame ceremony. He is in the middle wearing a brown suit. Raabe is on the far left.
- 11/17/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Karl Slover, one of the last surviving actors who played Munchkins in the 1939 classic film, "The Wizard of Oz," has died. He was 93.
The 4-foot-5 Slover died of cardiopulmonary arrest Tuesday afternoon in a central Georgia hospital, said Laurens County Deputy Coroner Nathan Stanley. According to friends, as recently as last weekend, Slover appeared at events in the suburban Chicago area.
Slover was best known for playing the lead trumpeter in the Munchkins' band but also had roles as a townsman and soldier in the film, said John Fricke, author of "100 Years of Oz" and five other books on the movie and its star, Judy Garland. Slover was one of the tiniest male Munchkins in the movie.
Long after Slover retired, he continued to appear around the country at festivals and events related to the movie. He was one of seven Munchkins at the 2007 unveiling of a star...
The 4-foot-5 Slover died of cardiopulmonary arrest Tuesday afternoon in a central Georgia hospital, said Laurens County Deputy Coroner Nathan Stanley. According to friends, as recently as last weekend, Slover appeared at events in the suburban Chicago area.
Slover was best known for playing the lead trumpeter in the Munchkins' band but also had roles as a townsman and soldier in the film, said John Fricke, author of "100 Years of Oz" and five other books on the movie and its star, Judy Garland. Slover was one of the tiniest male Munchkins in the movie.
Long after Slover retired, he continued to appear around the country at festivals and events related to the movie. He was one of seven Munchkins at the 2007 unveiling of a star...
- 11/16/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Which leads to the burning question: How many Munchkins are left? He is best known for being the first trumpeter in the film but he also was one of the Munchkin soldiers, the only sleepy head boy in the nest of Munchkin eggs, and, one of the singers who led Dorothy down the yellow brick road. Like several of the other small actors, he had a part in the all-midget western The Terror Of Tiny Town in 1938. Laurens County, Georgia Coroner Nathan Stanley says Karl Slover died around 3:40 Tuesday afternoon at Fairview Park Hospital. Stanley said he died of cardiopulmonary problems caused by old age. Slover was 93.
From the BBC News Website:
Actor Karl Slover, who was best known for playing a Munchkin in the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz, has died aged 93.
The star, who passed away on Tuesday with heart problems, was one of the last surviving cast members.
From the BBC News Website:
Actor Karl Slover, who was best known for playing a Munchkin in the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz, has died aged 93.
The star, who passed away on Tuesday with heart problems, was one of the last surviving cast members.
- 11/16/2011
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Dublin, Ga. — Karl Slover, one of the last surviving actors who played Munchkins in the 1939 classic film, "The Wizard of Oz," has died. He was 93.
The 4-foot-5 Slover died of cardiopulmonary arrest Tuesday afternoon in a suburban Atlanta hospital, said Laurens County Deputy Coroner Nathan Stanley. According to friends, as recently as last weekend, Slover appeared at events in the suburban Chicago area.
Slover was best known for playing the lead trumpeter in the Munchkins' band but also had roles as a townsman and soldier in the film, said John Fricke, author of "100 Years of Oz" and five other books on the movie and its star, Judy Garland. Slover was one of the tiniest male Munchkins in the movie.
Long after Slover retired, he continued to appear around the country at festivals and events related to the movie. He was one of seven Munchkins at the 2007 unveiling of a star...
The 4-foot-5 Slover died of cardiopulmonary arrest Tuesday afternoon in a suburban Atlanta hospital, said Laurens County Deputy Coroner Nathan Stanley. According to friends, as recently as last weekend, Slover appeared at events in the suburban Chicago area.
Slover was best known for playing the lead trumpeter in the Munchkins' band but also had roles as a townsman and soldier in the film, said John Fricke, author of "100 Years of Oz" and five other books on the movie and its star, Judy Garland. Slover was one of the tiniest male Munchkins in the movie.
Long after Slover retired, he continued to appear around the country at festivals and events related to the movie. He was one of seven Munchkins at the 2007 unveiling of a star...
- 11/16/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
The Wizard Of Oz star Karl Slover has died at the age of 93.
Slover, one of the last surviving actors who played Munchkins in the 1939 film, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in an Atlanta, Georgia hospital on Tuesday.
The actor, who had pituitary dwarfism, appeared in several films throughout his career but is best known for playing the lead trumpeter in The Wizard Of Oz's Munchkins band.
He regularly appeared at promotional events related to the movie after his retirement.
John Fricke, author of the book 100 Years of Oz, says, "Of the 124 little people, he's one of the handful who got to enjoy this latter-day fame, to have people know who he was and be able to pick him out of the crowd in the movie."
Only three other actors who played Munchkins are still alive, according to the Associated Press.
Slover, one of the last surviving actors who played Munchkins in the 1939 film, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in an Atlanta, Georgia hospital on Tuesday.
The actor, who had pituitary dwarfism, appeared in several films throughout his career but is best known for playing the lead trumpeter in The Wizard Of Oz's Munchkins band.
He regularly appeared at promotional events related to the movie after his retirement.
John Fricke, author of the book 100 Years of Oz, says, "Of the 124 little people, he's one of the handful who got to enjoy this latter-day fame, to have people know who he was and be able to pick him out of the crowd in the movie."
Only three other actors who played Munchkins are still alive, according to the Associated Press.
- 11/16/2011
- WENN
First off, I have to tell you that this page may load slow. We're making an awful lot of calls to the Amazon Api here, and that's bound to monkey with things. If you have no idea what that means... it's shiny. Please note also that, for the same reason, you may find, depending on traffic, that not all of the Amazon details will load properly. I apologize for that, it's just the nature of the beast, and the fact that the Api wasn't really meant for such things. If you refresh, it will probably fix.
You may have heard me mention this giveaway quite a while ago, and it's taken me a long time to figure out what sort of format to put things in, and I kept added things. Eventually it became too much to really give any kind of run down on the items, so I decided...
You may have heard me mention this giveaway quite a while ago, and it's taken me a long time to figure out what sort of format to put things in, and I kept added things. Eventually it became too much to really give any kind of run down on the items, so I decided...
- 9/15/2011
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Release Date: Dec. 13, 2011
Price: Blu-ray $35.99
Studio: Warner Home Video
Judy Garland sings a song about a trolley in Meet Me in St. Louis.
The 1944 Technicolor Hollywood musical classic Meet Me in St. Louis, starring Judy Garland (A Star is Born), will surely shimmer in its Blu-ray debut.
The fan-favorite film, which was nominated for four Oscars, was directed by Vincente Minnelli (An American in Paris) and co-stars Margaret O’Brien (1943′s Jane Eyre) and Mary Astor (The Maltese Falcon).
The movie offers a slice of Americana as it deals with the lives and loves of the irrepressible Smith family during the year of the St. Louis World’s Fair.
“The Boy Next Door,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Trolley Song” are a handful of the standards from the film, which was one of the two highest-grossing MGM theatrical releases of its time.
Meet Me in St. Louis...
Price: Blu-ray $35.99
Studio: Warner Home Video
Judy Garland sings a song about a trolley in Meet Me in St. Louis.
The 1944 Technicolor Hollywood musical classic Meet Me in St. Louis, starring Judy Garland (A Star is Born), will surely shimmer in its Blu-ray debut.
The fan-favorite film, which was nominated for four Oscars, was directed by Vincente Minnelli (An American in Paris) and co-stars Margaret O’Brien (1943′s Jane Eyre) and Mary Astor (The Maltese Falcon).
The movie offers a slice of Americana as it deals with the lives and loves of the irrepressible Smith family during the year of the St. Louis World’s Fair.
“The Boy Next Door,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Trolley Song” are a handful of the standards from the film, which was one of the two highest-grossing MGM theatrical releases of its time.
Meet Me in St. Louis...
- 9/13/2011
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
As always, there are more books being published than I can keep up with. While I haven’t had time to read most of these cover-to-cover, I’d like to call attention to some that clearly stand out. Once you pick up the handsome, oversized hardcover volume Judy: A Legendary Film Career by John Fricke (Running Press) you’ll find it difficult to put down. No one knows more about Garland than Fricke, who provides an eye-popping selection of rarely-seen photos (as well as posters, sheet music, and other ephemera) to accompany his film-by-film survey, along with an overview of Judy’s radio, TV,…...
- 9/12/2011
- Leonard Maltin's Movie Crazy
Bless the Walter Reade theater and The Film Society of Lincoln Center. This summer has been so trying in so many ways, but the Judy Garland retrospective is bliss. It helps that the Walter Reade is such a great place to see older films what with great air conditioning, comfortable seats and a big screen. The same can't (unfortunately) be said for the other prime NYC HQ for cinephiles (Film Forum). Anyway, people often think of Judy as an icon of tragic catharsis: heartbreak voice, trembling gesture, short life... but then you see the movies and she's just got charm for miles, a full range from light touch to direct hit, and she's funny and dazzling. Watching her proves far more joyous than tearful though sometimes the two come together.
I caught two consecutive features earlier this week from the brief moment between her ascendance (Dorothy Gale + all those Mickey Rooney...
I caught two consecutive features earlier this week from the brief moment between her ascendance (Dorothy Gale + all those Mickey Rooney...
- 8/4/2011
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Impressive retrospective of Judy Garland.s films will feature 31 titles including a presentation of seldom seen short films and rarities as well as a special .sing-along. screening of The Wizard Of Oz.
On the occasion of what would have been Judy Garland.s 89th birthday, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Paley Center have announced the details today for Fslc.s comprehensive retrospective of the peerless film icon.s work, All Singin., All Dancin., All Judy! which will screen at the Walter Reade Theater July 26 . August 9 and The Paley Center.s comprehensive retrospective of Garland.s television work,Judy Garland: The Television Years which will be presented July 20 . August 18.
With autumn marking the 75th anniversary of Judy Garland’s feature film debut (Pigskin Parade, 1936), the Film Society of Lincoln Center will screen 31 titles from July 26 . August 9, including each of her big-screen acting performances, to pay tribute to...
On the occasion of what would have been Judy Garland.s 89th birthday, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Paley Center have announced the details today for Fslc.s comprehensive retrospective of the peerless film icon.s work, All Singin., All Dancin., All Judy! which will screen at the Walter Reade Theater July 26 . August 9 and The Paley Center.s comprehensive retrospective of Garland.s television work,Judy Garland: The Television Years which will be presented July 20 . August 18.
With autumn marking the 75th anniversary of Judy Garland’s feature film debut (Pigskin Parade, 1936), the Film Society of Lincoln Center will screen 31 titles from July 26 . August 9, including each of her big-screen acting performances, to pay tribute to...
- 6/10/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Amazon's Gold Box Deal of the Day is The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition Blu-ray on sale for $36.99, 56% off the retail price of $85. The deal is only good until the end of the day, so act fast! The set includes: Remastered feature with Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio Commentary by Historian John Fricke including archival interviews of the film's cast and crew Optional Music-and-Effects-Only or Original mono Tracks The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Storybook "Prettier than ever: The Restoration of Oz" Sing-Along Feature The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic [1990 TV special] Memories of Oz [2001 TCM documentary] The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz Because of the Wonderful Things it Does: The Legacy of Oz Harold Arlens Home Movies Outtakes and Deleted Scenes It's a Twister! Its a Twister! The Tornado Tests Off to See the Wizard 3 Vault Shorts Audio Jukebox Selections 6 Theatrical Trailers L. Frank Baum:...
- 9/24/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Amazon has The Wizard of Oz 3-Disc Emerald Edition Blu-ray Set on sale for $16.99, 66% off the retail price of $50. I'm not sure how long the deal will be good for, so act fast. The set is essentially the huge ultimate box set without the printed extras. Special Features include: Remastered feature with Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio Commentary by Historian John Fricke including archival interviews of the film's cast and crew Optional Music-and-Effects-Only or Original mono Tracks The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Storybook "Prettier than ever: The Restoration of Oz" Sing-Along Feature The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic [1990 TV special] Memories of Oz [2001 TCM documentary] The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz Because of the Wonderful Things it Does: The Legacy of Oz Harold Arlens Home Movies Outtakes and Deleted Scenes It's a Twister! Its a Twister! The Tornado Tests Off to See the Wizard 3 Vault Shorts Audio Jukebox Selections...
- 3/20/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
DVD Playhouse—October 2009
By
Allen Gardner
The Wizard Of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’S Edition (Warner Bros.) A true highlight in digital restoration technology, Warner Bros. restoration of the 1939 classic is cause for celebration. The Technicolor of the late ‘30s looks as though it was shot yesterday, and is especially stunning on Blu-ray, which was produced by scanning each of the film’s original Technicolor camera negatives using 8K resolution. From this scan, a final “capture” master was created in 4K, yielding twice the resolution seen in the master utilized for the film’s previous DVD release. Judy Garland’s Dorothy is charming as ever, and the entire cast: Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch, are all stellar. Four disc set bonuses include: Sing-along track; Documentaries and featurettes; Two 1914 silent films produced by Oz author L. Frank Baum, based on his stories...
By
Allen Gardner
The Wizard Of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’S Edition (Warner Bros.) A true highlight in digital restoration technology, Warner Bros. restoration of the 1939 classic is cause for celebration. The Technicolor of the late ‘30s looks as though it was shot yesterday, and is especially stunning on Blu-ray, which was produced by scanning each of the film’s original Technicolor camera negatives using 8K resolution. From this scan, a final “capture” master was created in 4K, yielding twice the resolution seen in the master utilized for the film’s previous DVD release. Judy Garland’s Dorothy is charming as ever, and the entire cast: Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch, are all stellar. Four disc set bonuses include: Sing-along track; Documentaries and featurettes; Two 1914 silent films produced by Oz author L. Frank Baum, based on his stories...
- 10/15/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Chicago – The Warner Brothers Blu-Ray release to mark the 70th anniversary of the beloved “The Wizard of Oz” is perhaps the most exhaustive and complete “Collector’s Edition” release to date. Warner Brothers, a studio that knows how to treat their classics, releasing gigantic sets for “Blade Runner” and “Casablanca” in recent years and with another for “Gone With the Wind” coming soon, has done it again, and arguably better than ever.
Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0
As for the film itself, what more could possibly be written about “The Wizard of Oz”? By some standards, it’s the most watched movie in world history, a film that has transcended its genre to simply become a part of the history of the planet. Have you ever heard someone criticize or complain about “The Wizard of Oz”? Me either.
The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on September 29th,...
Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0
As for the film itself, what more could possibly be written about “The Wizard of Oz”? By some standards, it’s the most watched movie in world history, a film that has transcended its genre to simply become a part of the history of the planet. Have you ever heard someone criticize or complain about “The Wizard of Oz”? Me either.
The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on September 29th,...
- 10/13/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
If I hear “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” one more time, I’m gonna send Dorothy “way up high”—with a kick from my friggin’ boot! Now, before you Oz enthusiasts jump all over me for being such a surly, curmudgeonly son of a witch, I want to profess my love for The Wizard Of Oz and this four-disc DVD set (Warner, $69.92). Allow me to explain my castigatory opening remark. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a beautiful, seminal, touching song—the first 50 Times you hear it during the Same week. That’s how long it took me to review this exceptional box set, because The Wizard Of Oz: 70Th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’S Edition has more extras than a Cecil B. DeMille picture.
That’s why I’m fed up with “Over the Rainbow”—between the movie and the main menus and the endless documentaries and the featurettes, etc., etc.
That’s why I’m fed up with “Over the Rainbow”—between the movie and the main menus and the endless documentaries and the featurettes, etc., etc.
- 10/6/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (Allan Dart)
- Starlog
The fact that seventy years later this screen adaptation of perhaps America’s most celebrated fairytale has lost none of its power to enchant and astonish adults and children alike tells you everything. First published in 1900 by author L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz was greeted with Harry Potter-like acclaim, spawning a subsequent thirteen more books, a stage musical, twenty-six unofficial stories, a television miniseries, and a dark as midnight 1985 sequel. Yet this 1939 production remains the definitive Oz experience, rediscovered with all its magical wonder by each new generation.
Few films have seared themselves into our collective consciousness and achieved such cultural iconography with such lasting impact. That it is so universally well received and remains so un-weathered by changing trends, shifting ideals, and new media is due to its many subtle layers. There are as many different ways to read The Wizard of Oz as there are yellow...
Few films have seared themselves into our collective consciousness and achieved such cultural iconography with such lasting impact. That it is so universally well received and remains so un-weathered by changing trends, shifting ideals, and new media is due to its many subtle layers. There are as many different ways to read The Wizard of Oz as there are yellow...
- 10/4/2009
- by Neil Pedley
- JustPressPlay.net
In 1939, cinematic history was made in the form of The Wizard Of Oz, and seventy years later, the world will see the film in a whole new light. The film, which has been overlooked by noone, starred the one and only Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale and was directed by Victor Fleming. Wizard Of Oz took viewers through an exotically colorful journey to the land of Oz, and introduced characters such as the Tin Man (portrayed by Jack Haley), the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), and, of course, the Wizard of Oz (Frank Morgan). Lauded for its incredible translation of L. Frank Baum's masterpiece novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the film was the first of its kind in technicolor and continues to stand arm-in-arm with some of cinematic history's greatest contributions (which also include two other films of that year - namely,...
- 9/29/2009
- by Amanda Bell
- t5m.com
Hitting shelves tomorrow, The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary DVD Editions are amazing treatments for the classic film. Newly remastered and filled with bonuses, the DVD releases are absolute must-owns. The Blu-Ray release is obviously the clear winner here, but this is a great example of not skimping for those who haven't made that upgrade yet. The 2-disc edition gives you a treasure trove of bonuses, and a brilliant-looking version of the film that gives you the advantages of the 8K resolution scan remastering, which results in an instantly noticeable improvement over previous DVD releases. The 2-disc includes - Disc 1 Remastered feature with Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio (New) Sing-along Track (New) Commentary by John Fricke with Barbara Freed-Saltzman (daughter of Arthur Freed), Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, John Lahr (son of Bert Lahr), Jane Lahr (daughter of Bert Lahr), Hamilton Meserve (son of Margaret Hamilton), Dona Massin (MGM choreographer), William Tuttle (make-up artist), Buddy Ebsen,...
- 9/28/2009
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
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