The horrors of The Wizard of Oz

I've always liked how this movie is family-friendly, but it still has some horror elements to it. You've got the wicked witch, setting the standards for all witch cliches for years to come, and then you have flying monkeys and tornados, and a bunch of mini-perverts.

I was reading up on some behind the scenes problems with this movie, and apparently, the munchkins (ages 40+) were all gambling and drinking on set, as well as molesting young Judy Garland (age 16). 🥴 I wonder if Hans from 'Freaks' was one of those munchkins that partook in that behavior. If people think you're really young for your whole life, would it get confusing to you? Would you then feel alright groping young girls?

On set of that movie, Dorothy was also drugged to keep her regular for the movie, and a few people were hospitalized. Original tin-man actor got aluminum dust poisoning, the wicked witch actress was burned by the trapdoor-flame thing, among the most notable mentions.

However, contrary to previous thoughts, no munchkin hung himself in the background. Later debunked to be just a bird. A goddamn bird! I can imagine how weird that would be before high-def could prove otherwise. Watching your favorite family musical, only to notice a dead body swinging in the background?! I almost wish it was true. 😦


I've never seen "Return to Oz", but people have stated that the movie has some frightening elements to it. Family horror. What a concept, huh?