One of the most beloved films of all time, The Wizard of Oz has been a family favorite since its release in 1939. Most of us know about the struggles with making this timeless classic. Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the "Tin Man", but became deathly ill from the lead based makeup and had to be replaced by Jack Haley. Margaret Hamilton, the "Wicked Witch", nearly went up in flames during a shot filmed for the Munchkin sequence when her costume caught on fire. The movie itself went through four directors until Victor Flemming finally finished the filming.
Tidbits of Truth has recently learned that Judy Garland was not the first choice of Louis B. Mayer to play the role of "Dorothy". Mayer, the iron-fisted ruler of MGM Studios was set to have young Broadway actress by the name of Helen Carter debut in the role. Carter arrived in Hollywood in 1938 and began rehearsals right away. Mayer arrived at the second rehearsal to meet his new star and was shocked to learn that Miss Carter was missing her left ear. Seems it had been bitten off during a hunting accident when she was a child. Although she had a beautiful voice, Mayer and the film's producers could not envision a way to make the film using only the right side of Miss Carter's face. Thus Mayer moved to his second choice, Judy Garland.
Helen Carter did remain in Hollywood for two years and made three different pictures using only her right side including "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Stagecoach". She then resumed her success on Broadway for a number of years before retiring to Wilmington, NC, with her German born husband, Klaus.
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