The year was 1939, and MGM Studios was hard at work bringing L. Frank Baum’s whimsical world of Oz to life.
What they didn’t know was that the yellow brick road wasn’t paved with gold but with drama, danger, and a few too many questionable decisions.
Here are some of the darkest secrets and scandals from the set of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ that’ll make you see the film in a whole new light.
1. The Green Face That Haunts Your Dreams
Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, may have scared generations of children, but the real horror story was her makeup.
The green paint used to give her that iconic look? It was copper-based and toxic. Hamilton reportedly had to eat her meals through a straw to avoid ingesting it.
And as if that weren’t bad enough, during the famous “disappearing in a cloud of smoke” scene, the flames malfunctioned and went off early, and she suffered severe burns. Talk about a workplace hazard!
2. Munchkin Mayhem
The Munchkin actors were celebrated for their pint-sized performances, but behind the scenes, things spiraled into chaos.
Rumors circulated for years about wild parties at their hotel, where drinking and inappropriate behavior ran rampant.
Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, was often harassed by them. Their antics reportedly led to several arrests, with MGM execs frequently needing to bail them out of jail to ensure filming stayed on schedule.
Additional security was hired, but even that didn’t entirely curb their heinous escapades.
3. The Tin Man’s Toxic Armor
Buddy Ebsen was the original Tin Man… until he landed in the hospital.
His silvery look came courtesy of aluminum dust in the makeup, which he inhaled to such an extent that he suffered a near-fatal reaction.
Ebsen had to bow out, paving the way for Jack Haley, whose makeup was reformulated into a paste.
4. Judy Garland’s Slap-Happy Director
Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy remains iconic, but her time on set was anything but magical.
The 16-year-old actress was reportedly subjected to a strict diet of black coffee, chicken soup, and… cigarettes.
To keep her energetic during grueling shoots, studio execs gave her “pep pills” by day and sleeping pills at night.
And let’s not forget the time the director allegedly slapped her to stop her from laughing during a take. Charming.
5. The Cowardly Lion Costume of Nightmares
Bert Lahr’s Cowardly Lion costume was an absolute beast—literally. Made from real lion pelts, it weighed around 90 pounds and smelled like a zoo on a hot summer day under those sweltering studio lights.
To top it off, the costume was so heavy and unwieldy that poor Lahr could barely move or eat while wearing it. He later joked that playing a coward was the least of his problems.
6. Flying Monkeys Gone Rogue
The Wicked Witch’s flying monkeys were creepy on screen, but their off-screen antics were downright dangerous.
The wire rigging that allowed them to “fly” often malfunctioned, resulting in several actors falling and sustaining injuries. Imagine explaining to your friends that you broke your arm playing a hench-monkey in Oz.
7. The Real Wizard of Smoke and Mirrors
If you thought the Wizard of Oz was a shady character, wait until you hear about the special effects.
The fire used for dramatic flair often went haywire, causing small explosions and burns.
One notable incident involved Margaret Hamilton’s stunt double, who also suffered burns during a broom-riding scene. Apparently, safety standards in 1939 were about as real as the Emerald City itself.
8. Deadly Snow
The iconic poppy field scene, where Dorothy and her friends fall asleep under a blanket of snow, hides a chilling secret.
That shimmering “snow” was actually made of asbestos fibers, a material widely used at the time despite its serious health risks.
Studio executives deemed it the perfect “snow” substitute for its texture and appearance, blissfully unaware—or perhaps unconcerned—about its long-term dangers.
9. Fantasy on Screen, Horror on Set
Watching it now, it’s hard not to shiver for all the wrong reasons.
So, there you have it: a behind-the-scenes look at the madness of making ‘The Wizard of Oz.’
Despite all the drama, injuries, and questionable decisions, the film remains a timeless classic.
Just remember, next time you watch Dorothy and friends skipping down the yellow brick road, a lot of blood, sweat, and literal tears went into every frame—and maybe a little green paint, too