#48: Photorgraphed in Technicolor

Audiences in 1939 were undoubtedly intrigued when they saw the phrase “Photographed in Technicolor” in the opening credits of The Wizard of Oz. However, their initial excitement turned to confusion as the film began, given that the movie was not entirely in color. This seeming discrepancy was no error; it was a deliberate choice by the producers.

The decision to withhold information about the sepia-toned scenes in Kansas was intentional. The producers aimed to make Dorothy’s journey to Oz as breathtaking and unexpected as possible. By keeping the sepia-toned scenes a surprise, they ensured that audiences would be caught off guard, thus enhancing the impact of the vibrant and fantastical world of Oz. It was a clever and calculated move that added to the movie’s charm and captivated viewers from the very beginning.