10 Harsh Realties Of Rewatching The Wizard Of Oz, 85 Years Later

It’s been 85 years since The Wizard of Oz first dazzled audiences with its stunning Technicolor visuals and unforgettable characters, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic films in cinematic history. The 1939 adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale has stood the test of time, with Dorothy’s ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, and the timeless songs forever etched into the collective memory. However, a modern rewatch reveals certain details and inconsistencies that may cause us to see this beloved classic in a new light.

From logical inconsistencies to character motivations that don’t quite add up, let’s explore the 10 surprising flaws you might notice when rewatching The Wizard of Oz today.

2. The Overly Obvious Setup of the Farm Hands

The early scenes introduce the farmhands in a way that feels blunt and foreshadowing. They make remarks like “have a little courage” and “straw for brains,” which are too on the nose for their transformations into the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man in Oz. On rewatch, these lines feel heavy-handed, almost as if they are nudging the audience too hard to make the connection, undermining the subtlety of the film’s storytelling.

3. The Unlikely Knockout: Dorothy and the Window Incident

A pivotal moment in the story is when Dorothy is knocked unconscious by a window during a tornado, which serves as the catalyst for her journey to Oz. However, the force of the impact appears minor, and the sequence seems more convenient than convincing. This plot device, while crucial to Dorothy’s adventure, doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, raising questions about how such a minor incident could have rendered her unconscious for so long.

4. The Wicked Witch of the West: A Sister Seeking Justice?

While the Wicked Witch of the West is portrayed as the film’s primary antagonist, a closer look reveals that her actions are motivated by grief over the death of her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, who was crushed by Dorothy’s house. Glinda’s taunting and Dorothy’s acquisition of the ruby slippers add insult to injury. The Wicked Witch’s character takes on a more sympathetic tone when viewed through this lens—she is not merely evil but is also a grieving sister seeking justice.

5. The Convenient Understanding of the Tin Man’s Plight

When Dorothy and the Scarecrow encounter the Tin Man, who is rusted solid and unable to speak, they immediately understand that he needs to be oiled to regain mobility. Given that Dorothy would have never encountered a being like the Tin Man in Kansas, her instant comprehension seems implausible. This convenient understanding facilitates the plot but lacks believability.

6. The Doorman’s Questionable Decision-Making

When Dorothy and her companions arrive at the Wizard’s palace, the doorman initially refuses them entry, citing the Wizard’s strict policies. However, he is easily swayed by Dorothy’s tears and lets them in against the Wizard’s apparent wishes. This raises questions about the Wizard’s authority and the doorman’s judgment, suggesting that the palace’s gatekeeping rules are not as strict as they appear.

7. The Wizard’s Mysterious Knowledge

The Wizard knows exactly what each of Dorothy’s companions desires—courage, a heart, and a brain—despite having no apparent way of obtaining this information. While it could be chalked up to clever guesswork or rumor, the lack of explanation adds to the growing list of improbabilities upon rewatching the film.

8. Auntie Em’s Ghostly Appearance in the Witch’s Castle

In the Witch’s castle, Dorothy sees a vision of Auntie Em in a crystal ball, calling out for her. This vision seems to be a cruel trick by the Wicked Witch, designed to taunt Dorothy. While this scene adds to the tension, it also raises questions about the nature of Dorothy’s unconscious mind and whether this is truly an external illusion or a manifestation of her fears and homesickness.

9. The Witch’s Fatal Oversight: A Convenient Bucket of Water

The Wicked Witch’s demise comes when Dorothy accidentally splashes her with water, causing her to melt. It’s perplexing that the Witch, knowing her vulnerability to water, would keep a bucket of it within arm’s reach. This glaring oversight feels more like a convenient plot device than a logical character decision.

10. Glinda’s Cruel Secret: Dorothy Could Have Gone Home All Along

At the end of the film, Glinda reveals that Dorothy could have returned home at any time by clicking her heels together. Her justification that Dorothy “wouldn’t have believed it” seems weak, considering Dorothy’s willingness to embrace other fantastical elements throughout her journey. This revelation retroactively diminishes the weight of Dorothy’s entire adventure, making it feel unnecessarily prolonged and almost mean-spirited.

Reflection on the Timeless Classic

Despite these inconsistencies, The Wizard of Oz remains a cherished piece of cinematic history, adored by generations of viewers. Its groundbreaking use of Technicolor, memorable characters, and musical score continue to enchant audiences, reminding us that even in the face of logic flaws, some stories are simply timeless.

Additional Context and Analysis

As reported by various entertainment experts, these inconsistencies might reflect the production constraints and storytelling conventions of the 1930s. Given the film’s historical context, some of these “flaws” could be seen as creative choices meant to prioritize emotion and spectacle over strict narrative logic. Regardless, The Wizard of Oz remains a beloved cornerstone of American cinema, cherished by audiences young and old alike.