Morbid Facts Behind The Wizard of Oz Filming

The filming of the iconic movie 'The Wizard of Oz' was marred by several disturbing incidents that reveal the hidden dangers of early filmmaking. Firstly, Margaret Hamilton, who portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West, suffered severe burns during a filming incident. Despite her recovery lasting six weeks, she chose to avoid any scenes involving fire, opting instead to have her stunt double perform those risky stunts. Tragically, the stunt double also ended up hospitalized when a broomstick prop exploded mid-scene. Furthermore, Judy Garland, at just 16 years old, was subjected to an extreme diet that consisted primarily of chicken soup, coffee, and shockingly, approximately 80 cigarettes daily, representing the harsh realities of Hollywood's expectations at the time. In another unsettling revelation, it was discovered that the fake snow seen in the iconic poppy field scene was made from 100% pure asbestos, a substance now known for its severe health risks. Additionally, the Cowardly Lion's costume was made from the skins and fur of real lions, leading to the death of several animals for realistic portrayal. Initially cast as the Tin Man, Buddy Ebsen encountered a severe allergic reaction to the makeup's aluminum content, which almost cost him his life, forcing a last-minute recasting just days into production. Each of these incidents contributes to the darker narrative surrounding a beloved classic, reminding viewers of the perils that often lurked behind the camera.