The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American musical fantasy film out of the MGM studios. It was mostly directed by Victor Fleming, who also directed Gone with the Wind, released that same year. The film often ranks on critics’ lists of the greatest films of all time. It was distinguished by its use of Technicolor, fantasy storytelling, musical score, and memorable characters.

Concealed at the time was the series of dangerous and damaging events that happened on set and around the various actors. The initial event involved Buddy Ebsen of Beverly Hillbillies fame. He was originally cast in the role of the Tin Man. Early on, when the character’s  makeup was applied, Ebsen began experiencing body aches, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath. He became so ill he had to be hospitalized. It was discovered that the makeup contained pure aluminum dust. The exposure continued to affect Epsen’s health. He dropped out of the film. Aluminum dust exposure is now known to potentially lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, abnormal chest x-rays, and pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring). 

The role was filled by Jack Haley. The makeup department revised the application by mixing the aluminum in a paste. Haley ended up with an ear infection which was fortunately treatable. 

Margaret Hamilton, the Wicked Witch of the West, received second and third degree burns when the trap door exit in her first scene did not open on queue and she was momentarily caught in the flames. Did she sue? Of course not. She would never have worked in Hollywood again. Hamilton’s stunt double later caught on fire filming a scene on a broomstick. The injury happened when a  pipe from a smoke generator exploded. Another incident involves a rumor that in the background of one of the scenes, a shadow of a ‘munchkin’ could be seen hanging from a noose. It was later discovered to be the shadow of an exotic bird that had gotten loose on the set.  

An actor playing one of the munchkins, Charles Kelley, brought two loaded guns to the set. He believed the  actor playing the mayor of Munchkinland, Charley Becker, was coming on to his wife and he wanted to warn him to back off.  Kelley was disarmed by production and told to not bring guns to work ever again, but was allowed to keep working. 

I.M.H.O.

Was the set and crew of the movie cursed? Well, I would suggest that the curse was from the neglect, greed and poor safety decisions made by MGM execs and crew. Business executives often rail against regulatory agencies causing high costs in various industries.  However,  I’ve worked in several industries monitored by the likes of the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), and they have saved many lives and prevented countless injuries. I’m pretty sure that many workplace locations that were thought to be cursed in the 1940’s and 50’s were victims of poor working conditions.

I’m S.A.Bear and I approve this message.

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