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90% Critic Match
Oz: The American Fairyland
“L. FRANK BAUM AND THE ROYAL HISTORY OF OZ”
9.0 / 10• 1997• 1h 53m•NR• English
Documentary
Storyline
The first part tells of the life and works of L. Frank Baum, along with his career as a writer and filmmaker, centering on the creation of Oz. This portion continues with the effect of Oz after his death, with novelties, dolls, radio, stage, and screen adaptions, and advertising gimmicks based on his work, culminating with MGM's Wizard of Oz (1939). While discussing some of the major alterations between the book and the film, such as MGM making Baum's real-life adventure a dream. The second half is about interpretation of Oz by other artists, including Helen Kish, Barry Moser, Barry Mahon, Evelyn Copelman, Robert Tonner, Robin Woods, Michael Hague, Lizbeth Zwerger, Pavel Arsyenov, and Charles Santore. The documentary concludes with an analysis of Baum's work and its profound effect on American culture.
Cast & Crew
LL
Lee Lively
Narrator
LeadMP
Michael Patrick Hearn
Himself
OB
Ozma Baum Mantele
Herself
CS
Charles Santore
Himself
RC
Rachel Cosgrove Payes
Herself
JS
Jay Scarfone
Himself
WS
William Stillman
Himself
KD
Kelsey Davis
Child
What People Are Saying
5.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Leonard A. Swan Jr.'s vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
5.0
“Every frame feels alive. Oz: The American Fairyland is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
