About 15 or 20 years ago or so I posted something on my old blog (or maybe it was FB) listing my "All-Time Favorite movies." Not what I thought was "the best" or what I knew was deemed "the best" so I could look smart and/or cool for my cinephile friends. No - just my "favorites."
Anyhow, I think it had "Goodfellas" and "Annie Hall" and "Dr. Strangelove" and "Miller's Crossing" and "Dazed and Confused" and a few others that surprised no one for a dude born in 1967, who got cable in 1982, spent summers home from college in the late 80s, and moved to NYC in the early-90s.
But my wife (of about 7-10 years at that point, I'd guess) was incredulous and asked, "where's Wizard of Oz"? I was as shocked by her question as she was by the omission. I asked her what she meant and she said, basically, "since I've known you I've never seen you turn it off if it's on TV, you own it on DVD, and you always look so happy when you see it."
Hmmmm, she was right. It went onto the list!
Coda - I still love it. Extra (sad) coda - When I showed it to my son when he was about, I dunno, maybe 8 or 9, he was bored and didn't seem to enjoy it. I was shattered and haven't had the guts to revisit. He likes plenty old movies, so it wasn't that. I need to try again, but . . . I don't think I'm quite ready yet.
I met Margaret Hamilton when I lived in Manhattan in the 1980's. I lived 2 blocks from her, and met her when one day I turned the corner and there she was. I recall that I called her Ms. Hamilton. Understandably she wasn't as star struck as I was.
You have a great “voice” for this stuff. I tend to side with your sister on Oz but my wife had it on the other day and by gosh it’s still so brilliant. (Question for your sister : do you tear up when you hear Whitney played? Stop and think sometime how many of the greatest singers ever were killed by this system.)
On the hands in the pot question, I think (just guessing here) that this comes from too many stirring the pot, which in turn comes from the phrase too many cooks in the kitchen. Which means that things get screwed up if you have too many cooks with different and conflicting ideas about what to do.
I could be totally wrong, but that’s what popped into my head when I read that paragraph.
You didn't even mention that the studio execs wanted to cut "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (in case anyone believes studios always know what they're doing). But now I'm curious about why you hate Matt Damon!
How interesting you posted this today since it was just yesterday I took my parents and sisters to see Wicked after my dad expressed interest. I’ve heard much of these horror stories about The Wizard of Oz but it’s been years since I’ve seen it
I enjoyed it. I’ve heard many of the songs before but never saw the play so didn’t get many of the context. I had gotten tickets for the musical on Broadway in July but caught a summer cold so I couldn’t watch it, bummer
One of my all-time favorite movies.
About 15 or 20 years ago or so I posted something on my old blog (or maybe it was FB) listing my "All-Time Favorite movies." Not what I thought was "the best" or what I knew was deemed "the best" so I could look smart and/or cool for my cinephile friends. No - just my "favorites."
Anyhow, I think it had "Goodfellas" and "Annie Hall" and "Dr. Strangelove" and "Miller's Crossing" and "Dazed and Confused" and a few others that surprised no one for a dude born in 1967, who got cable in 1982, spent summers home from college in the late 80s, and moved to NYC in the early-90s.
But my wife (of about 7-10 years at that point, I'd guess) was incredulous and asked, "where's Wizard of Oz"? I was as shocked by her question as she was by the omission. I asked her what she meant and she said, basically, "since I've known you I've never seen you turn it off if it's on TV, you own it on DVD, and you always look so happy when you see it."
Hmmmm, she was right. It went onto the list!
Coda - I still love it. Extra (sad) coda - When I showed it to my son when he was about, I dunno, maybe 8 or 9, he was bored and didn't seem to enjoy it. I was shattered and haven't had the guts to revisit. He likes plenty old movies, so it wasn't that. I need to try again, but . . . I don't think I'm quite ready yet.
I met Margaret Hamilton when I lived in Manhattan in the 1980's. I lived 2 blocks from her, and met her when one day I turned the corner and there she was. I recall that I called her Ms. Hamilton. Understandably she wasn't as star struck as I was.
One other Fun Fact about it that gets overlooked:
IT WAS A REMAKE!
Well, technically.....
There were a bunch of black and white silent film adaptations of the "Oz" books.....
Thanks for the great read. I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to read next about your hatred of Matt Damon.
Love this! And I noticed some similarities in writing styles from your famous dad! Can’t wait to read the next one.
Joe sent you here, too?
You have a great “voice” for this stuff. I tend to side with your sister on Oz but my wife had it on the other day and by gosh it’s still so brilliant. (Question for your sister : do you tear up when you hear Whitney played? Stop and think sometime how many of the greatest singers ever were killed by this system.)
On the hands in the pot question, I think (just guessing here) that this comes from too many stirring the pot, which in turn comes from the phrase too many cooks in the kitchen. Which means that things get screwed up if you have too many cooks with different and conflicting ideas about what to do.
I could be totally wrong, but that’s what popped into my head when I read that paragraph.
You didn't even mention that the studio execs wanted to cut "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (in case anyone believes studios always know what they're doing). But now I'm curious about why you hate Matt Damon!
Me too about the Damon animosity. I never thought he could generate that kind of hate. Not my favorite actor but he has had some good roles.
How interesting you posted this today since it was just yesterday I took my parents and sisters to see Wicked after my dad expressed interest. I’ve heard much of these horror stories about The Wizard of Oz but it’s been years since I’ve seen it
What did you think of Wicked? And Wizard of Oz is def worth a rewatch, if only for the horse of a different color!
I enjoyed it. I’ve heard many of the songs before but never saw the play so didn’t get many of the context. I had gotten tickets for the musical on Broadway in July but caught a summer cold so I couldn’t watch it, bummer