Top 10 Wizard of Oz Facts That Will Ruin Your Childhood 

"Toto made more money than the munchkins" Yea, I bet he behaved better too.

A diet that was half cigarettes and pep pills? Getting covered from head to toe in asbestos? It's a wonder Garland survived to finish this film!

"You need to pretend you're cold in the snow!" "I'm doing ASBESTOS I can!"

This may sound a little silly but I think Margaret Hamilton's performance in this movie was truly one of the great performances in movie history. She was just perfect in this.

It's a miracle none of them died from the asbestos snow props

This ruined the movie for sure for me. They abused the heck out of Judy garland. The poor thing.

Judy Garland said the worst thing was having to wear hard rubber discs in her nose that changed the shape of it. She said they were so uncomfortable she would cry in her trailer when no one was around, in fear of bringing more ridicule on herself and/or losing her job.

Welp, there goes my childhood. Rest In Peace to all the actors and cast members who endured so much in the making of this film

Ironically, the "wicked witch" was the one person on set who was actually nice to Judy Garland and even cared about her in some way.

If they thought Judy was fat then I’m OBESE 💀

Margaret Hamilton was burned so badly from that elevator debacle partly due to the fact that her green makeup was oil based and continued to burn her face while they tried to get it off. Poor lady....

ive always looked up to judy and its breaking my heart to see what she went through

The thought of being sexually harassed by munchkins is absolutely terrifying

Damn, this was filmed at Hollywood’s darkest times.

She was suffering all the time But still kept smiling and acting What a sad and terrifying life

it didn't ruin our childhood...it ruined HER childhood

You should do this for Willy Wonka. Just as an example, the 'car wash' scene gave a lot of the actors involved allergic reactions, and the actress who played Veruca sustained an injury in the 'paradise' scene on an extra sharp rock, resulting in a scar that she still has today

Judy Garland has a sad life. Her parents didn’t even want her they put her in the acting industry so they could make money off of her. RIP Judy Garland

Here's a sweet fact: Ray Bolger and Jack Haley came to Judy Garland's funeral and were among the last to leave

2 of the munchkins travelled through San Diego several years back and we had a chance to meet them at the Del Mar Fair. The theme of the fair that particular year was Oz based (this was long enough back that it was before cell phones). They were an elderly couple (not married or anything), dressed in costume I’d say they were in their 80’s back then. It was their last tour at the time (they were retiring), so I really felt honored to have had the chance to have met them. They spoke about their time on the show. One of them had also worked on the recently released (at that time), now a cult classic, movie called “Freaks”. About a group of circus freaks who travel around the country. Really, it’s about the disabled community and how they were treated during the depression era. He spoke a little bit about that as well (which was interesting if you know, or like that movie). I can’t confirm anything they said here about how Garland would have been treated by them off-set, but by the way the two we met talked, it sounded like they were kept very, very isolated and were treated like second class citizens. The thought that any one of them would be able to get that close to her would be surprising because they’d have to do it with a lot of people around (I’m only basing my opinion off of this particular encounter we had meeting the people we did). They also said that most of them didn’t speak English, so the ones who did made a few cents extra per hour. That’s why it’s even more surprising to me though- they would have needed a reason to be around her. They said that Garland was constantly surrounded by people while on set. Whether it was makeup, directors, her mom- they said that people were constantly fussing about her. They really stressed the point that “the munchkins” built this community- both on set, and off. They described this scene off set that sounded like a dirty, tent city. I assume it was trailers, not tents, but yah, I picture it to be pretty dirty and smelly right near filming. So another thing stood out to me as “off” with this video: The two little people who gave the presentation that day said that they were responsible for policing their own. It sounded like it wouldn’t have made any sense to have someone from “the network” there to police them on a daily basis anyhow. I guess that many of them were Polish Gypsies, so they kind of broke off into their own camp. There were other races there as well, but the Polish Gypsies comprised the largest group. They spoke about how the entire cast would get rations like cigarettes and food- except for them. So, yah, I’m sure they had quite a lot of resentment on set. Also though, there were several different languages being spoken there. How could one “network guy” police that?? They couldn’t. Simple enough. That’s why they left that up to each group. Maybe they interacted with a “representative from each guild who spoke the best English” if you will, but, I don’t believe anyone from the network sat there watching over them. The three lollipop guild guys got their part because they literally spoke English better than everyone else there. That was the only reason why. Many of their “facts” have been well known for years now, but things having to do with the munchkins always seems to get misreported for some reason. I mean, people still insist someone hung themselves on set during the fire scene (which BOTH of the people there that day said they were standing right where the person should have been swinging, and they can assure you that absolutely nobody was there). I’m not a fan of the fact that they changed out the original, but hey, the easiest answer is generally the right one, and in this case, I just don’t buy into the whole conspiracy. Especially when you have disgruntled employees, who, many years after the fact, speaking at a tiny county fair, can say whatever the hell they want to? I’m kinda bound to believe them. Oh yah, and one of them has a diary that she kept from that period that backs up what they are both saying? Yah, I believe them. They thought that working in Hollywood was going to be this “dream” they were promised, and instead, they were abused, mistreated, overworked, and way underpaid. Then, once the job ended, that was it. They were thrown away like trash (except a very lucky few). If you’ve managed to read this, thanks! Sorry it was so long.

She was only 47 when she died.... and she had a horrible life... that’s just sad 😞

I've known about Judy Garland's struggles for years but she's still an enchanting actress and singer who brought magic to every film in which she appeared.

If Hollywood was this bad in the 30s, can't even imagine the nightmare it is now...

Some people thought being the Wizard of Oz was a fun experience, but Jack Haley (the guy who played The Tinman) said in an interview years later “Like Hell it was. It was work.”. He also spoke in a quiet voice. He was definitely scarred.

Hollywood was extremely dark back in the day.. It still is now, but not as much then

The original Tin Man did not have an allergic reaction to the make-up. The make-up was aluminum powder that lined his lungs and he couldn't breathe properly and was in the hospital. When he was replaced, they replaced the make-up with aluminium paste instead of powder.

Important question: was Toto okay after being covered in asbestos???

Wow, what a story! I always loved the Wizzard of Oz, even as an adult and found it charming. This adds a whole new dimension to the story now.. Many thanks!

Judy Garland has one of the saddest stories

they could literally make a horror movie about what happened behind the scenes of this movie, but not by Hollywood of course

At least Judy’s in a better place, somewhere over the rainbow

None of this can ruin what is and always will be a classic for me♥️

Epson didn’t have an allergic reaction to his makeup, his makeup was aluminum powder that got into his lungs and make him very sick. When Jack Haley took over the role, they used aluminum paste.

The Mommy Dearest reference actually reminds us the fact that Judy was given drug by her biological mother, make her tragic life twice as sad

The director got Judy addicted to cigarettes, called her awful names, slapped her for laughing and yet when he let her punch him, she refused and kissed him on the nose 😔

I loved the movie So sad that Judy Garland went through so much abuse.And Margret Hamilton was badly burned in that scene.Loved all the actors.May they RIP

I wouldn’t say “ruin my childhood” more on the of awareness and history of the iconic film

I just want to go back in time find judy and give her a big hug. What a sweetheart of a girl mistreated by everyone around her. 😢

I'm shocked that they didn't mention the fact that Judy Garland won a Juvenile Academy Award for Best Juvenile Performer for The Wizard of Oz and Babes In Arms. She was the 4th person to receive the award, as well as only 1 of 12 in history to ever receive one.

It gets even worse folks, apparently the actors who play the munchkins were apart of a European troupe show and many of them were Jewish, the reason they play in this film was to escape Europe and Nazis soldiers and only got pay $50/week. 😞

The silver slippers was just being true to the book. They were only made ruby to make them stand out more. Compared to everything else here, that's trivial

I'm so disturbed... Poor Judy! She got harrassed and fat shamed even tho she wasn't fat! I hope she's happy in heaven 💜💕

The aunts story made me shed a tear, poor woman 😢

I never liked this movie for unknown reasons as a child ..... But i really feel sorry for the lady

I heard that a lot of children were afraid of the witch. The lady who played the witch, she invited children over her home to show them how nice she really was. The children felt better after they met the lady who scared children because she was not what they expected her to be which was threatening. I was never afraid of her. I enjoyed her I the Maxwell House coffee commercials.

Bottom line: Toto was the best character in both of the Wizards Of Oz

The fact Victor Fleming wanted everyone to hit him for what he did is sweet. And Judy kissing him showing it was alright. THAT is true comadere.

"Toto made more than the Munchkins" Well that doesn't surprise me too much, since Terry the Terrier, Toto's portrayer, had more scenes than they did.

When you realize that all the tin man and the scarecrow had to do was kill Dorothy and take her heart and brain

When Judy sung over the rainbow, a song about things getting better, she looked like she was on the virge of tears

Title: top ten wizard of oz facts that will ruin your childhood Me: you can’t ruin what’s already destroyed

Fact number 10 doesnt ruin my childhood...it actually make me appreciate the inspiration for Dorothy a whole lot more seeing as now you can see her as a representation of innocence in a magical world filled with obstacles she must overcome.

Despite the slap and managing the meeting Lion scene to the end, you can still see Garland trying to hide her laughter when she tells the Lion "What a big fuss you are making". She even used Toto who was in her arms in an attempt to conceal her laughter.

I've seen the original ruby slippers at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. They're still remarkably sparkly for sequins that are so old.

I feel really bad that Judy Garland had to go through all of that at such a young age (16 years old). And she died at only 47, for me, 47 is still a young age. Judy Garland could've achieved so much more. R.I.P Judy Garland, you are very missed.

Well, for an iconic film, these actors have been through A lot.

I’m surprised that kids being scared of Margaret Hamilton even out of the costume wasn’t on here....I believe that’s the main reason why she went on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood

Scarecrow: People without brains do a whole lot of talking Me: yeah well what do you expect from politics

I studied this for one of my performing arts assignments. Did you know Toto also got one of his paws broken on set? The set used to be so hot a few cast members almost passed out of heat exhaustion. Also I believe all the main cast were paid around $2000 a week where’s Judy was only paid $500 a week. Was such a messed up industry back then.

y’all the dog was in the snow scene too that means he was also covered in asbestos

I feel so bad for Judy, I hope she’s happy and free in heaven

I am 75 and still like to see this movie...

Don’t worry this completely ruined the wizard of oz for me

Did not know about Aunt Em's actress killing herself! 😮

It makes me so sad of the fate that Judy had. She is so talented and she DID NOT deserve any of the conditions she was in. You can tell how bright she was. This treatment of young and vulnerable actors and actresses needs to stop.

It sickens me the way she was treated, I knew that filming had various issues and problems, but I didn’t know the extent of abuse Judy went through from basically everyone on set, ironically minus the Wicked Witch. It sounds about right though, in that age that’s just how they treated a lot of actresses in Hollywood.

7:24 before she says “oh my goodness what a fuss you’re making” she holds back another giggle!!!

I can't watch this movie without feeling extremely bad for Judy, she didn't deserve that!

“The wicked witch of the west” *looks at director* I think this part would really suit you

I actually thought the first fact was utterly heartwarming for Frank Baum to honor his niece with.

This movie was the highlight of my year as a child. I watched it every year on a 13 inch black and white tv. I haven’t seen many movies in my life but I love this one with all my heart. This helped me through a rough childhood.

So that's why it was so easy for Dorothy to cry on certain scenes huh

The director also made Dorothy smoke 100 cigarettes a day, so she go addicted to smoking. I still can’t believe she had to suffer alone. Poor girl, at least she is in a better place now!

Poor guy he has an allergic reaction that nearly kills him and also gets fired for a role that he wasn't hired for in the first place. That is terrible for him.

_"No matter how dreary and gray your homes are, we people of flesh and blood would rather live there than in any other country be it ever so beautiful. There's no place like home."_ *~ L. Frank Baum*

"Hollywood was weird back in the 30s.." Not much better today.

7:23 you can see her trying not to laugh ahahah

Keep in mind, in 1939, asbestos was looked upon as yet another benign mineral that posed no threat to actors and actresses on set. It had wonderful refractive properties in light and that was all they were concerned with.

1:35-1:45 who tf ever thought that the Cowardly Lion costume looked "too legit" 😂😂

Ya Forgot One Of The Munchkins Actually Hung Themselves On Set And The Director Just Let Him Hang There While They Were Shooting The Yellow Brick Road Scene

Since this movie didn’t define my childhood, it isn’t ruined by this list. However, this list was still sad.

These things happen in Hollywood more than anyone could imagine and even worse ⚠️🧐

Judy Garland was my whole childhood, I was obsessed with watching her films when I was younger!!!

i wish i could go back in time and give judy garland a huge hug and say sorry for everything she was put through

Absolutely terrifying what went on behind the scenes

Still one of the great movies of all-time, and all of these events helped make it so.

Me thinking it won’t get sad until a couple entries: Number 10: hold my mojo...

“Chicken soup, black coffee, and cigarettes” HELLO?!?!

Isn’t there a urban legend that one of the munchkins hanged himself on one of the trees at the ending set? Which in later release version this was replaced by a CGI bird😟

I feel so bad for Judy Garland getting harrassed and overworked and Margaret Hamilton getting severely burned on set, there were so many dark and disturbing things that happened behind the scenes of this movie

I had a crush on Dorothy when I was 7 years old. I was sad when my parents told me she was dead.

Poor Judy. Rest in peace dear lady.

You can actually still see Judy trying NOT to laugh at Bert Lahr’s Cowardly Lion in the movie by hiding it behind Toto 7:23

One of the craziest tidbits that was recently discovered is that the carriage pulled by the Jell-O colored horse belonged to Abraham Lincoln when he was president. A collector bought the carriage because of its Wizard of Oz connection and as they were restoring it a bronze plaque was discovered commemorating who it was built for.

4:10 the way Judy doesn’t actually kiss the cheek she just air kisses lol

I feel so sorry for everyone who had to take part in this. It’s horrible knowing what they did to Judy and the other actors. I hope Judy is in a better place now

The later books were extremely surreal. Baum's niece also wrote several after he died. In one of the books, a queen in OZ has a bunch of heads that she changes so that she can wear a different one every day. All the heads have different personalities, so she can be nice, or murder people, depending...it's really weird.

On top of the lion costume being made from real lion skin, the entire costume took nearly 3 hours to put on and weighed almost 50 pounds. The actor probably lost more weight dancing inside that costume than Judy did on her weird Hollywood cigarette diet

I always knew there was something creepy about that movie

Wow, poor Judy Garland and Margaret Hamilton and Buddy Ebsen!