Note: I love The Wizard of Oz, I collect Wizard of Oz, and I have watched the movie more times than I can count. I just love the movie. And to me, it never gets old. So I found some information and a few pictures that I hope you enjoy.
The Wizard of Oz is a beloved American fantasy story that exists in many forms — book, movie, stage play — and continues to captivate readers and audiences of all ages.
📘 Book Overview
Title: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Author: L. Frank Baum, Published: 1900 Genre: Fantasy / Children's Literature
📖 Plot Summary:
Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, is swept away by a cyclone and lands in the magical Land of Oz. To get home, she must follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and ask The Wizard of Oz for help. Along the way, she meets:
🧠 Scarecrow (wants a brain)
❤️ Tin Woodman (wants a heart)
🦁 Cowardly Lion (wants courage)
Together, they face challenges, including the Wicked Witch of the West, and learn that the things they seek were within them all along.
🎬 1939 Film (Classic Version)
Title: The Wizard of Oz Starring: Judy Garland as Dorothy Notable Songs:
"Over the Rainbow" 🌈
"Follow the Yellow Brick Road"
"We're Off to See the Wizard"
🎥 Fun Facts:
One of the first films to use Technicolor
Famous for the line: "There's no place like home."
Based on Baum’s book, but includes some changes (like ruby slippers, which were silver in the book)
🧙♂️ Themes & Symbols
Home: Dorothy learns that what she truly needed was with her all along
Courage, Love, Wisdom: Embodied by the Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow
Good vs. Evil: Glinda the Good Witch vs. the Wicked Witch of the West
Self-Discovery: Each character finds they already possess what they thought they lacked
📚 Versions & Adaptations
Books: 14 total Oz books by L. Frank Baum (not just one!)
Movies: 1939 film, Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), Return to Oz (1985)
Musicals: The Wiz (soul/R&B version), Wicked (a retelling from the witch’s point of view)
Here is a detailed comparison between the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland.
While both follow the same basic storyline, there are some major and minor differences in plot, characters, and themes.
📘 Book vs 🎬 Movie: Key Comparisons
Feature
📘 Book (1900)
🎬 Movie (1939)
Title
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz
Slippers
Silver shoes
Ruby slippers (to show off Technicolor)
Tone
Quirky, whimsical fantasy adventure
More emotional and musical
Toto's Role
Present throughout; causes key events
More of a sidekick
Oz's Identity
A humble man using illusions
Same, but more mysterious
Dorothy’s Motivation
Simply wants to return to Kansas
Same, but framed as a dream in the movie
The Wicked Witch
Appears only in later chapters
Main villain throughout
Glinda the Good Witch
Witch of the South appears at the end
Combined with the Witch of the North in the film
Yellow Brick Road Journey
Longer and filled with odd creatures & places
Simplified for runtime
Return to Kansas
Dorothy uses the silver shoes to return
Clicks ruby slippers and wakes up from a dream
Ending Message
“Home is best, but adventure is valuable”
“There’s no place like home” (more sentimental)
Technological Themes
Implies political/economic allegory (some interpret it this way)
Pure fantasy, less political
🧙♂️ Notable Characters Differences
Character
📘 Book
🎬 Movie
Scarecrow
Thinks he has no brain but often solves problems
Same, but with more comic relief
Tin Woodman
Originally a human, turned to tin by a cursed axe
Same, but less backstory
Cowardly Lion
Afraid but acts brave when needed
Similar, but more playful in the film
The Wizard
Appears in various forms to different people
Similar but less theatrical
The Witches
Four witches (North, South, East, West); two are good
Only two shown; Glinda is a blend of North/South
🎵 Musical Elements (Movie Only)
The film is famous for its songs (not present in the book), such as:
“Over the Rainbow”
“Follow the Yellow Brick Road”
“If I Only Had a Brain/Heart/Nerve”
“Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead”
💬 Major Theme Differences
Theme
Book
Movie
Self-discovery
More subtle; characters earn what they seek through action
More clearly emphasized
Reality vs. Fantasy
Oz is real
Framed as a dream
Empowerment
Dorothy takes more initiative (kills 2 witches!)
Dorothy is more guided by others
Friendship
Important, but more about clever problem-solving
Strong emotional focus on teamwork and love
📚 Summary
Aspect
Book
Movie
Age Group
Younger readers, can be darker in spots
Family-friendly, musical
Visuals
Imagination-based
Iconic use of color and visuals
Impact
Launched a 14-book series
Created a cultural icon with Judy Garland
