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The Movie That Almost Killed Its Cast: The Dark History of The Wizard of Oz

2025-11-13 Entertainment
997.8k
29.0k
1.7k
Bailey Sarian
Bailey Sarian
8.0m subscribers

The Toxic Backstage Reality of The Wizard of Oz

Uncover the shocking truth behind Hollywood's most iconic movie, detailing near-death accidents, toxic artistry, and severe abuse suffered by the cast. Discover why the film’s happy Technicolor facade masked a horrifying production nightmare.

Short Summary

  • [01:11:54] Buddy Ebsen suffered chemical pneumonitis after inhaling aluminum dust used for the Tin Man makeup.
  • [01:36:04] Margaret Hamilton sustained second and third-degree burns after a set fire, exacerbated by heat trapped in her copper-based green makeup.
  • [02:48:50] Crucial set elements, including snow and the Scarecrow's suit, were made from carcinogenic asbestos.
  • [05:06:50] Judy Garland endured mandated starvation diets, physical abuse, and constant body shaming engineered by studio executives.

This episode scrutinizes the production history of The Wizard of Oz (1939), moving past the Technicolor magic. Learn how groundbreaking cinematic techniques came at a devastating cost to the actors' health and well-being. The story reveals severe occupational hazards and systemic cruelty within the classic studio system that nearly destroyed its biggest star.

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Description

Get started today at http://www.StitchFix.com/darkhistory to get $20 off your first order—and they’ll waive your styling fee. That’s StitchFix.com/darkhistory The best way to cook just got better. Go to http://www.HelloFresh.com/DARKHISTORY10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Shop my favorite pajamas at http://www.SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list - the SKIMS Holiday Shop is now open at http://www.SKIMS.com. Check out http://www.squarespace.com/DARKHISTORY for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, use OFFER CODE: DARKHISTORY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. ________ Hi, friends! Happy Thursday! You’ve seen The Wizard of Oz... the ruby slippers, the Yellow Brick Road, the flying monkeys… But you've also heard rumblings of some dark rumors, haven't you? Well, behind all that glitter and Technicolor magic was a nightmare of toxic makeup, real fires, starvation diets, terror in Munchkinland and a studio system that nearly killed a teenage Judy Garland. In today’s episode of Dark History, let's follow the (bloodsoaked?) yellow brick road backstage to uncover the shocking truth behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic movies. From the Tin Man’s near-death experience to the Witch catching fire on set (literally), to asbestos snow and all sorts of horrible abuse — this is the wicked story of The Wizard of Oz that MGM never wanted you to hear. ________ FOLLOW ME AROUND Tik Tok: https://bit.ly/3e3jL9v Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nbO4PR Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mdZtK6 Twitter: http://bit.ly/2yT4BLV Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2mVpXnY Youtube: http://bit.ly/1HGw3Og Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3IVnO7N Snapchat: https://bit.ly/3cC0V9d Discord: https://discord.gg/BaileySarian RECOMMEND A STORY HERE: [email protected] Business Related Emails: [email protected] Business Related Mail: Bailey Sarian 4400 W. Riverside Dr., Ste 110-300 Burbank, CA 91505 ________ This podcast is Executive Produced by: Bailey Sarian and Joey Scavuzzo Head Writer: Allyson Philobos Senior Writer: Katie Burris Research provided by: Xander Elmore Director: Brian Jaggers Additional Editing: Julien Perez and Maria Norris Hair: Angel Gonzalez Makeup: Nikki la Rose

Top Comments (10)

@DebiB123 2025-11-14

I'm 72 so when I was a kid, I never knew the movie changed to color when she landed in Oz. I was in my 20's when I got my first color TV and watched with my daughters - MIND BLOWN - LOL

3.1k 46 replies
@Cinique23 2025-11-14

This is my FIRST dark history that I did my own digging on years ago… MGM as a whole is so effed up! Bailey if you haven’t already please do a dark history episode about MGM!

1.3k 25 replies
@michellecrocker2485 2025-11-13

Cool fact. Margaret Hamilton got to wear the costume again when she was on Mr rogers. Apparently, when she was invited to come on the show, she was more than happy to accept the invitation because her grandkids were fans

952 24 replies
@Ants_I4532I 2025-11-14

I'm 85, baby, but when I was real young, I got up late at night, watched the whole movie, and ate an entire pack of Big Red bubble gum.

901 14 replies
@hitmanjonesy1586 2025-11-14

Ngl, the munchkins on smoke break is kind of iconic

427
@julieletford5695 2025-11-25

In the book, the slippers were silver. They thought red would look better in Techincolor, so they became ruby slippers.

331 9 replies
@Marther_Luker_King_Jr 2025-11-27

Starvation diets??? And the Wicked cast has been looking very, very thin too.

192 7 replies
@SianCremer 2025-11-14

Margaret Hamilton basically professionally telling them to "f off" is amazing

165 1 replies
@indigomuse6787 2025-11-15

Speaking of Judy Garland, she could have a dark history episode all her own! Or even child stars in general.

93 2 replies
@tabithafrix 2025-11-22

Any police officer who mutes the body cam footage during an interrogation or an investigation should absolutely either be charged with evidence, tampering, or have some kind of legal repercussions

69 7 replies

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