#43: How the Tornado Was Made

Creating the tornado sequence in the 1939 Wizard of Oz presented a unique challenge for the film’s crew. It’s not as if they could use CGI! They ingeniously crafted a 35-foot stocking made of muslin to simulate the menacing twister. This oversized prop was then skillfully manipulated around a set of miniatures that had been meticulously designed to resemble the landscape of Kansas.

The result was a visually striking and memorable depiction of the tornado that swept Dorothy away to the magical world of Oz. The inventive use of practical effects and miniatures showcased the resourcefulness of the filmmakers, who brought this iconic moment to life with ingenuity and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history.