166 articles today

The Wizard of Oz Used a Deadly Poison to Make the Movie Prettier

ComicBook.com
Story by Marco Vito Oddo
from ComicBook.com
Image from ComicBook.com
scrn logline
The iconic 'Wizard of Oz' used a deadly poison to create its magical snow scenes, exposing the cast and crew to severe health risks for decades.
beat sheet
  • The movie's poppy field and Scarecrow's costume were made with asbestos, a known carcinogen, for visual effect and fire safety, putting the actors in jeopardy.
  • Asbestos use was rampant in Hollywood's golden age, with countless classic films like 'Citizen Kane' and 'White Christmas' utilizing the hazardous substance, leading to long-term health consequences for industry workers.
call sheet
Judy Garland, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger, Buddy Ebsen, Jack Haley, Ronald Sharpe, Paul Gleason, Ed Lauter, Trisha Noble, MAX, The Wizard of Oz, Goldfinger, The Breakfast Club, Star Wars
Read the source