25 The Wizard of Oz Trivia Questions

As we skip along the yellow brick road, let’s take a moment to dive deep into the whimsical world of “The Wizard of Oz.” 

From the mystical Emerald City to the curious characters we meet along the way, this timeless tale has captured hearts for generations. 

But how well do you truly know this beloved classic? 

Prepare to put your knowledge to the test with our delightful collection of “The Wizard of Oz” trivia questions! 

Let’s begin. 

The Wizard of Oz Trivia Questions

1. What is the name of the actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West, and in what other film did she reprise a similar antagonistic role?
   
   
2. Before Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy, which other famous actress of the time was considered for the role, and why was she ultimately not chosen?
   
   
3. The Wizard of Oz is famous for its transition from black and white to color. What is the specific name of the color process used for its vibrant scenes?
   
   
4. What specific breed is Toto, Dorothy’s canine companion, and what was the name of the dog who played Toto in the film?
   
   
5. In L. Frank Baum’s original book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s slippers are not ruby red but a different color. What color are they?
   
   
6. The film’s iconic song, “Over the Rainbow,” was almost cut from the movie. Why did the producers consider cutting it, and who ultimately fought for its inclusion?
   
   
7. What unique method did the filmmakers use to create the snow in the Poppy Field scene, and why is it considered hazardous by today’s standards?
   
   
8. How many different actors portrayed the Munchkins, and what significant recognition did the surviving Munchkins receive in 2007?
   
   
9. What was the original title of the book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum before it was published, and why was it changed?
   
   
10. The Cowardly Lion’s costume was made from what material, and what was its connection to real lions?
    
    
11. What hidden message is said to be represented by the Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City according to some interpretations?
    
    
12. Who was the director credited with the majority of the film’s final cut, and which other director(s) also contributed to the film without receiving official credit?
    
    
13. The Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the film are among the most iconic movie props of all time. How many pairs are known to exist, and what is unique about at least one pair?
    
    
14. What serious injury did Margaret Hamilton sustain during filming, and how did it happen?
    
    
15. What did the actors who played the Munchkins allegedly do off-camera that caused problems on set?
    
    
16. What was the original color of the horse of a different color in the Emerald City before they decided to use a special technique to change its color?
    
    
17. Ray Bolger originally was cast in a different role. What was it, and why was he ultimately cast as the Scarecrow?
    
    
18. What future famous TV witch had an uncredited role in The Wizard of Oz?
    
    
19. How did the special effects team create the Wizard’s giant head before Dorothy and her friends in the Emerald City?
    
    
20. What was the working title of “The Wizard of Oz” during its initial development stages?
    
    
21. Which famous line from The Wizard of Oz was improvised?
    
    
22. How did the film achieve the effect of the Wicked Witch writing in the sky?
    
    
23. What real-life event was happening during the filming of The Wizard of Oz that affected its production?
    
    
24. What was unique about the Tin Man’s tears during his emotional scene?
    
    
25. How many times does Toto bark in the entire film, and what is the significance of this number according to fans?

Answers

1. Margaret Hamilton played the Wicked Witch of the West and reprised a similar role as an antagonist in the film “Babes in Toyland.”
   
   
2. Shirley Temple was considered for the role of Dorothy, but she was not chosen because the film’s producers believed her singing voice was not suitable for the film’s musical demands.
   
   
3. The Technicolor process was used for the film’s vibrant color scenes.
   
   
4. Toto was a Cairn Terrier, and the dog who played Toto was named Terry.
   
   
5. In Baum’s original book, Dorothy’s slippers are silver, not ruby red.
   
   
6. “Over the Rainbow” was almost cut because producers felt it slowed down the pace of the movie, particularly since it occurred in a Kansas scene considered too lengthy. Judy Garland’s advocate, MGM musical director Arthur Freed, fought for its inclusion.
   
   
7. The filmmakers used chrysotile asbestos to simulate snow in the Poppy Field scene, a method now known to be extremely hazardous due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
   
   
8. A total of 124 little people portrayed the Munchkins. In 2007, the surviving Munchkins were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
   
   
9. The original title was “The Emerald City,” but it was changed to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” to make it more appealing and to avoid the implication that the book was only about a city.
   
   
10. The Cowardly Lion’s costume was made from real lion skins, emphasizing the character’s connection to real lions and adding to the authenticity of the costume.
    
    
11. Some interpretations suggest the Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City represent the gold standard and the fraudulent nature of the economic system of the time, respectively.
    
    
12. Victor Fleming is credited with the majority of the film, but George Cukor and King Vidor also contributed without official credit; Vidor directed the Kansas scenes.
    
    
13. There are four known pairs of Ruby Slippers; one pair has felt on the soles to mute their sound during dance sequences.
    
    
14. Margaret Hamilton suffered severe burns on her hands and face when her character’s exit via a smoke screen went awry, igniting her copper-based green paint.
    
    
15. Allegations have been made that the actors who played the Munchkins engaged in heavy drinking and unruly behavior, though these claims have been disputed.
    
    
16. The horse was originally white, and its color was changed by using Jell-O crystals, leading to several horses being used as they kept trying to lick the coloring off.
    
    
17. Ray Bolger was originally cast as the Tin Man, but his lifelong desire to play the Scarecrow led to him swapping roles with Buddy Ebsen, who was initially cast as the Scarecrow.
    
    
18. Bewitched’s future star, Margaret Hamilton, had an uncredited role as one of the townspeople during the scene where Dorothy leaves Munchkinland.
    
    
19. The giant head was a practical effect achieved through a combination of a large head prop and strategic camera angles to create the illusion of size.
    
    
20. The working title was “The Magical Land of Oz.”
    
    
21. The line “I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” was an improvisation by Judy Garland.
    
    
22. The effect was achieved by using a skywriting plane to write with smoke, combined with careful editing.
    
    
23. The Great Depression was ongoing during the film’s production, affecting its budget and the morale of its cast and crew.
    
    
24. The tears were actually oil, to stay true to the Tin Man’s character, and required a special mixture to appear visible on camera.
    
    
25. Toto barks exactly 12 times in the film; fans often link this to the number of major characters (Dorothy, the three companions, Toto, the Witch, the Wizard, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, Glinda, and the two farmhands), though this interpretation varies.