The Movie vs The Book

by Aisha Gilani

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This Hollywood movie changed many aspects of the book that do not necessarily affect its meaning (e.g., Dorothy's apparent age, the addition of songs and dances, the omission of certain episodes). But it also makes changes that affect the plot and theme. It greatly expands the presentation of Kansas, adding characters parallel to the major figures Dorothy encounters in Oz, and makes the whole story a dream. It eliminates one good witch and gives the remaining good witch and the surviving bad witch the role of Dorothy's protector and opponent respectively, whereas in the book Dorothy and her friends must disentangle themselves from their difficulties. Surprisingly, and somewhat disappointingly, all the dramatic versions of The Wizard of Oz, prior to the 1939 film, bore little resemblance in plot or theme (both mythic and political) to the original novel. While there is some character continuity, most noticeably with the Scarecrow and Tin Man, the dramatic versions added adult subject matter centering around political intrigue and romance, created new characters and situations that have nothing to do with Baum's Oz, and relied more on music, elaborate sets and costumes, and special effects than on Baum's originality.

Some events that both the book and film share include are presented at different times in the book and film, as, for example, when Dorothy meets the wicked Witch of the West for the first time. In the book this meeting does not occur until Dorothy goes to the Witch's castle on the mission to destroy the witch, while in the film Dorothy meets the wicked Witch soon after her house falls on and kills the wicked Witch of the East.

It should be pointed out that a book and its film version are usually created by different people, thus differences will naturally occur. Also, it is not possible to include every part of the book in the film, because there are limitations that film makers are subject to that did not inhibit an author. Baum's book contained a number of scenes that just could not be done by the special effects of the time, or they would have made the movie too long, or cost more than even MGM could afford, so they were not included in the script. Also, the modifications to certain components of the original tale were made so that MGM could show off their capabilities. The book's silver shoes for example became ruby slippers because the movie was one of the few films made at the time in color, and MGM wanted to show off the color process.

One of the students from our class has actually done extensive research regarding the transition of The Wizard of Oz, from print to film. Please visit her site for additional information.

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