This article was originally published on Excellenttown.com

The beloved 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz has captured the hearts of audiences for generations with its tale of a young girl’s journey to the magical land of Oz. However, behind the scenes of this cinematic masterpiece lie a treasure trove of curious and not-so-safe-for-work facts that offer a glimpse into the making of this iconic film. From unexpected friendships and hidden dangers to deleted scenes, there’s a lot we didn’t know about the classic film. Join us as we venture behind the emerald curtain to uncover the lesser-known, sometimes scandalous, and often surprising details that add new dimensions to the timeless magic of Oz.

#1: Apple Juice Was Used for Special Effects

In the 1930s, whenThe Wizard of Oz was filmed, they didn’t have the same technology we have today to create special effects, so they had to come up with unique methods. A surprising and somewhat unconventional method was employed to create a realistic fire effect. To achieve the dramatic scene where the Wicked Witch of the West meets her fiery demise, the filmmakers used apple juice as a clever stand-in for flames.

The innovative special effects team mixed apple juice with a hidden substance to create a controlled burn that convincingly mimicked fire without posing the same risks as actual flames. This clever use of apple juice not only ensured the safety of the cast and crew but also added a unique touch of creativity to one of the film’s most iconic moments. It goes to show that sometimes, the magic of Hollywood lies in unexpected places, even in a simple glass of apple juice.