The World of Oz (1914)

Synopsis: Though Victor Fleming's 1939 musical remains the most well-known adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ, L. Frank Baum's beloved children's novel inspired a whole slew of films centered on the magical... Though Victor Fleming's 1939 musical remains the most well-known adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ, L. Frank Baum's beloved children's novel inspired a whole slew of films centered on the magical fantasy world. This collection presents a quartet of black-and-white silent films that predate the famous Judy Garland version. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1925) is a slapstick retooling in which Dorothy (Dorothy Dwan) learns that she is a dethroned princess of Oz and returns via tornado to save her kingdom from an usurper. The only adaptation directed by Baum himself, HIS MAJESTY THE SCARECROW OF OZ (1914) finds the man of straw (Frank Moore) trying to save a beautiful princess from an evil king and wicked witch. The surreal THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (1914) features male actor Patrick Couderc in drag as the eponymous heroine, who helps a queen free her subjects from an evil spell. And in THE MAGIC CLOAK OF OZ (1914), two downtrodden children (Violet MacMillan and Mildred Harris) gain possession of a fairy-woven mantle. [More]

Starring: Dorothy Dwan, Larry Semon, Violet MacMillan, Frank Moore

Starring: Dorothy Dwan, Larry Semon, Violet MacMillan, Frank Moore, Piere Couderc, Mildred Harris, Bryant Washburn, Josef Swickard, Raymond Russell, Mary Carr, Charlie Murray, Juanita Hansen