‘Mysteries of Oz’: Writer/Producer Randy Schmidt
Season 1, Episode 006
Images courtesy of AMS Pictures
In This Episode
Episode Description:
The legendary 1939 film, and now, the stage and movie musical Wicked — based on Gregory Maguire’s novel — have added the legacy of Frank L. Baum’s magical American tale and inspired generations to dream. The making of The Wizard of Oz is legend in its own right. Over the years, the desire to know more about the behind-the-scenes magic has unleashed a mountain of myths and misconceptions, along with some remarkable truths. Randy Schmidt is the writer and producer of the new documentary Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered. In celebration of the 85th Anniversary of the 1939 film, this fast-paced documentary series counts down 85 questions tackling the lore and legacy of The Wizard of Oz.
Among the interviewees are Jane Lahr, daughter of actor Bert Lahr, Joey Luft, the son of Judy Garland, and Oz’s surviving cast members — former child actors Valerie Lee, Elaine Merk, and Priscilla Montgomery, who all portrayed munchkins in the film. The diverse list of contributors also includes Oz experts and insiders such as The Road to Oz authors Jay Scarfone and William Stillman, the aforementioned Maguire, journalist and The Ruby Slippers of Oz author Rhys Thomas, The Oz Vlog host Tori Calamito, @FollowTheYellowBrickGirl Tiffany Sutton, Tara Tagliaferro and Emily Kay Shrader of the Down the Yellow Brick Pod podcast, Hollywood Forever Cemetery tour guide Karie Bible, and many more. Whether you’re new to Oz or represent the lollipop guild, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting look at the MGM classic. Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered is a journey down the yellow brick road to memory lane.
Resources
Heritage Auctions Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction Featuring the Ruby Slippers
Purchase The Ruby Slippers Of Oz: Thirty Years Later by Rhys Thomas UK | US
Additional Notes:
Music: Hollywood Hop, Earl Hines and His New Sound Orchestra (LA, Jul, 1954)
CC0 1.0 UniversalCreative Commons License
