The Wizard of Oz

A closer look at the story

Young Dorothy lives happily with her aunt and uncle on their farm, but when a neighbour tries to take away her beloved dog Toto, she runs away from home. As she tries to make her way back, she is caught up in a huge tornado and finds herself in the colourful, magical land of Oz. Her house has landed on the Wicked Witch of the East and killed her, so her sister, the witch who rules the West, comes after Dorothy for revenge. Looking for a way home, Dorothy follows the yellow brick road towards the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. Along the way she makes three new friends: a Tin Man who wants a heart, a Scarecrow who wants a brain and a Cowardly Lion in search of courage. Directed by Victor Fleming and adapted from L. Frank Baum's novel, the 102-minute 1939 film stars Judy Garland in a magical musical classic.