Who’s obsessed with the Wizard of Oz? Everyone watches this movie at least once a year, right?
Oh, well, OK. I am getting a strong “no” from the person reading over my shoulder. OK, so for those of us who love musicals and are especially fond of the Tin Man and those flying bell-hop looking monkeys, a book entitled, “The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion” by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone recently has been released — just in time for the holidays and the 75th anniversary of the movie’s release, as the title establishes.
Here’s how publishers pitch the book:
“Learn the filmmaking tricks and techniques behind the film’s realistic tornado, why Dorothy’s shoes were ruby-colored, and how the filmmakers got a fleet of Winged Monkeys to fly. Authors Jay Scarfone and William Stillman reveal filmmaking secrets and information on everything from the film’s pre- and postproduction to early reviews and publicity to never-before-published stories from the cast and crew, making it the definitive book on the subject.”
A coffee table book — a perfect gift (hint hint) — the publication is rife with film stills, Technicolor(TM) test frames, rare artwork and photography, and costume and set illustrations.
Next week, December 11 to be exact, authors Scarfone and Stillman will be guest lecturers at C.C. Young retirement home at White Rock Lake. The lecture starts at 2 p.m. at The Point building.
C.C. Young will fly the authors in from Pennsylvania for the occasion, organizers say, and is offering tickets to the general public for $15 apiece. Residents and C.C. Young and Point members get in for $12. The book, whose list price is $40, will be available in limited quantity for $32 and the authors will sign attendees’ copies free of charge.
C.C. Young is a nonprofit organization that frequently features guest lectures for the community. You can register at ccyoung.org or by phone at 214.841.2831.
