#20: Dorothy’s Iconic Red Slippers Were Supposed to Be Silver

In the original book The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Dorothy’s magical shoes are indeed silver, and for the film adaptation, a pair of silver shoes were initially created to stay true to the source material. However, the shift to ruby slippers in the 1939 film adaptation was a strategic decision driven by MGM head Louis B. Mayer’s desire to showcase the new Technicolor technology.

Mayer recognized the visual impact that vibrant red shoes would have on the screen and believed that the bold ruby color would captivate audiences and make a lasting impression. This transformation of Dorothy’s footwear from silver to ruby not only became an iconic element of the film but also demonstrated how technology and creative choices can shape the way we remember and perceive beloved stories on the silver screen.