wizard of oz

WTF Fun Fact 13522 – The Tin Man’s Tears

In “The Wizard of Oz,” the Tin Man’s tears were supposed to be oil. But instead, they were chocolate syrup.

This delightful twist adds another layer of charm to a movie already rich in story and character.

Filming The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz, released in 1939, was a groundbreaking film for its time. The movie brought L. Frank Baum’s classic American fairy tale to life with its innovative use of Technicolor, detailed sets, and charming performances. However, the filmmakers faced a plethora of challenges in making the cinematic magic happen. One of those issues was how to depict various special effects realistically.

The Tin Man’s Tears

A significant concern was how to make the Tin Man’s oil look authentic on camera. Black-and-white films often used chocolate syrup as a stand-in for blood. That’s because its consistency and color look more convincing in grayscale.

Since the first part of “The Wizard of Oz” was in sepia tone, which is quite similar to black and white, the crew decided to use the same tried-and-true method for the Tin Man’s “oil.”

Jack Haley, the actor who portrayed the Tin Man, is another essential part of this quirky tale. Imagine being in a bulky, uncomfortable costume for hours and then having chocolate syrup poured on you! Yet, Haley pulled off a performance that made the Tin Man one of the most endearing figures in cinema history.

Hidden Advantages

While using chocolate syrup might sound like a humorous and arbitrary choice, it actually offers several benefits. Its thick, viscous consistency made it ideal for slow, dramatic drips that could be captured on camera. Furthermore, the syrup’s opacity made it visible against the Tin Man’s metallic costume, enhancing its photogenic qualities.

This behind-the-scenes tidbit about chocolate syrup has become part of the Wizard of Oz’s larger lore. Fans and film historians alike relish such quirky details. They are the tidbits that make classics come alive in new ways, offering fresh layers of understanding.

Reaction from Audiences

While the audiences at the time had no idea they were witnessing chocolate syrup instead of oil, this revelation has added to the movie’s enduring appeal. It becomes a fun anecdote to share, a slice of cinematic history that surprises and delights fans when they first hear of it.

The use of chocolate syrup as a stand-in for oil is also a lesson in resourcefulness and ingenuity. Filmmakers often have to think on their feet and adapt, finding unconventional solutions to unexpected problems. In this case, the solution was not only effective but also added an unexpected layer of sweetness, quite literally, to the tale of the Tin Man.

The Tin Man’s Tears Live On

Today, this story of how a common kitchen item was used to solve a cinematic challenge is part of the enduring lore surrounding one of the most beloved films in American history. It illustrates the lengths artists will go to bring their visions to life. It’s something that makes us appreciate these iconic scenes all the more.

So the next time you watch “The Wizard of Oz” and reach the moment when the Tin Man is joyously “oiled” back to life, remember—sometimes, magic is made from the most unexpected ingredients. In this case, it’s not just movie magic, but also a bit of chocolatey sweetness that adds to the Tin Man’s heartwarming tale.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “This Wizard of Oz character had delicious tears, and here’s why” — The Digital Fix

WTF Fun Fact 13381 – Ruby Slippers Theft

For those unaware, the ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” were actually stolen in 2005. These iconic shoes, synonymous with the film’s magic and Dorothy’s journey, were on display at the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota when they were taken. The ruby slippers theft garnered significant attention and led to a lengthy search for their whereabouts.

The conclusion of the ruby slippers theft saga

In 2023, a grand jury in North Dakota indicted a man on charges of stealing a pair of iconic ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.”

The theft occurred in 2005, but the slippers were recovered in a 2018 FBI sting operation. However, no arrests were made at the time. Terry Martin, a 76-year-old resident living near the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, was indicted. He was charged with one count of theft of a major artwork.

The indictment did not provide further details about Martin. When approached by the press, Martin declined to comment, only stating, “I gotta go on trial. I don’t want to talk to you.”

Janie Heitz, the executive director of the museum, expressed surprise. The subject lived nearby, and yet none of the staff had ever seen him.

Multiple pairs

During the production of “The Wizard of Oz,” Garland wore several pairs of ruby slippers. However, only four authentic pairs are known to exist today. At the time of the theft, the slippers were insured for $1 million, but their current market value is estimated to be around $3.5 million, according to federal prosecutors.

The stolen slippers were on loan to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the late actor’s hometown, when they were taken. Prosecutors reported that someone climbed through a window and broke the display case to steal the slippers.

The recovery of the stolen slippers followed years of searching and enticing rewards. Early in the case, law enforcement offered a $250,000 reward, and in 2015, an anonymous donor from Arizona pledged $1 million.

In 2017, a man contacted the shoes’ insurer, claiming he could help retrieve them. After an almost year-long investigation, the FBI seized the slippers in Minneapolis in July 2018. At that time, the bureau stated that no arrests had been made or charges filed in connection with the case.

Getting caught

A summons has been issued for Terry Martin, and an initial court appearance is scheduled for June 1 via video. The U.S. Justice Department in North Dakota provided limited information beyond the details included in the indictment.

The ruby red slippers are famously linked to the iconic line in “The Wizard of Oz,” where Garland’s character, Dorothy, clicks her heels together while repeating the phrase, “There’s no place like home.” The slippers are made from various materials, including wood pulp, silk thread, gelatin, plastic, and glass. The ruby color predominantly comes from sequins, while the bows feature red glass beads.

The other three pairs of slippers worn by Garland in the film are held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian, and a private collector.

Once the legal case concludes, the museum staff hopes that the slippers will return to Garland’s hometown, providing a fitting tribute to the legendary actress.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Man indicted in theft of ‘Wizard of Oz’ ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland” — AP News