His Majesty, the Scarecrow of Oz

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02/06/2011 The first feature length Oz film that features a few wicked witches, forest animals, a princess, two farmers and the characters you know, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. It's a battle for rule of Emerald City in this early film version which is available on the 3 disc DVD of "The Wizard of Oz" See more 08/08/2010 I guess its biggest accomplishment is that it manages to go on for a whole hour. In his inability to handle narrative on film, Tim Burton has a very clear predecessor in this film. Interesting too how the director of this film, like Burton, makes use of moments where impressive visual effects, like when Mombi turns Princess Gloria's heart to ice, and interesting camera work, like when Dorothy and company are faced by a wall of water, can compensate. I guess its a case of "plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose". See more 07/08/2010 Very primative, and like most of movies from this era, badly shot. Includes the scariest scarecrow ever. See more 10/30/2009 One of several Oz films directed by J. Farrell MacDonald and produced by Baum himself. It's no surprise then that it feels so close to the madcap spirit of the books. I haven't read any Baum stories in ages, but I recalled many of the elements here. But the film suffers from odd pacing and lengthy diversions (perhaps the results of a too-literal translation from page to screen). Some imaginative and clever effects, though. See more 05/25/2009 "His Majesty, the Scarecrow of Oz" is the best of L. Frank Baum's Oz movies! The plot is easily understandable without being boring and the characters are wonderfully acted, given their limitations. The special effects are marvelous, and some of the better ones rival even the technical marvels of the 1939 Movie, particularly the hilarious undersea bit with the Scarecrow and a swordfish and a mermaid! Violet MacMillan is an absolute delight as Dorothy. Despite her charming looks and thoroughly enchanting demeanor, the girlish actress was generally confined to roles as frank boys in Baum's films. She brings a great sparkle to the role as Dorothy, however. Another standout - or group of standouts, rather - is Mombi's whole cohort of witches. Funny and spooky at the same time, it seems as if they may have been the greatest inspiration for the way in which MGM chose to portray the Witch of the West in their take on Baum's first history of Oz. Either way, this movie is a can't miss, which I give a solid 4.5, a rating I am more than glad to give! See more 06/29/2008 Another very interesting take on the Oz stories. This was directed by the creator L. Frank Baum, so he knew what he wanted to do with htis instead of depending on someone else's ideas. This was one of the better silent film versions. See more Read all reviews

His Majesty, the Scarecrow of Oz

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