Wizard of Oz’s Secret Dead Munchkin Myth Explained
screenrant.comDespite being regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz secrets both on-screen and behind the camera are numerous — but none are more infamous than the so-called «Wizard of Oz hanging» urban legend. Based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s fantasy novel of the same name, The Wizard of Oz has been the subject of much controversy, especially since the strenuous filming process exacerbated Judy Garland’s use of amphetamines. It's widely believed The Wizard of Oz contributed to Judy Garland's eventual overdose in 1969. However, one of the most nefarious tall tales surrounding the movie is that a lovelorn actor portraying a munchkin hanged himself on set during filming. But is the Wizard of Oz suicide report real?
An aura of darkness and mythmaking shrouds the production history of the movie, mainly due to the on-set accidents and substance abuse rife during the early years of Hollywood as well as the movie's place in culture (that The Wizard of Oz is the first color film is another misconception due to the movie's age). However, the Wizard of Oz munchkin hanging myth is just that – a myth. The so-called “dead munchkin” urban legend stemmed from a specific scene that takes place around 45 minutes into the movie in which Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man walk off in the distance whilst singing “We’re Off to See the Wizard.” As the trio is seen walking away, the left side of the screen appears to feature a human form hanging from a tree. However, the Wizard of Oz munchkin hanging from the tree isn't a munchkin at all – the silhouette is of a bird in the studio, and it's not hanging.
Related: Todd McFarlane's Wizard Of Oz Updates: Is The Movie Still Happening?
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