The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz

Year: 1939

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Directors: George Cukor, Victor Fleming, Norman Taurog, Mervyn LeRoy, King Vidor

AdventureFantasyComedyFamilyMusical

A young girl, swept away from Kansas by a tornado, finds herself in the vibrant and enchanting Land of Oz. To return home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road, encountering fantastical creatures and facing challenges set by the Wicked Witch of the West. Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, each seeking something they lack. Together, they navigate a magical realm filled with wonder and peril in this beloved adaptation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Wizard of Oz yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Trace every key event in The Wizard of Oz (1939) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dorothy's Life on the Farm

In rural Kansas, young Dorothy Gale lives with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em on a humble farm. Her days are filled with chores, but her affection for her dog, Toto, is paramount, reflecting her deep bond with him.

Kansas
2

Conflict with Almira Gulch

Dorothy's troubles begin when their neighbor, Almira Gulch, obtains a sheriff's order to take Toto away after he bites her. Despite the authority's ruling, Dorothy is determined to protect her beloved dog, prompting her to consider running away.

Kansas
3

Meeting Professor Marvel

As Dorothy contemplates her escape, she encounters Professor Marvel, a fortune-teller. He convinces her to return home, citing that Aunt Em is worried about her, which influences her decision to head back.

Kansas
4

The Tornado Strikes

Just as Dorothy is heading home, a violent tornado sweeps through, causing chaos. Unable to get into the locked storm cellar for safety, she finds refuge in her farmhouse, which gets lifted into the sky.

Kansas
5

Arrival in Munchkinland

After landing in an unfamiliar land, Dorothy awakens to find herself in Munchkinland, part of the magical Land of Oz. Glinda, a good witch, informs her that her house has killed the Wicked Witch of the East, leading to a local celebration.

Munchkinland, Oz
6

The Wicked Witch of the West Appears

The festivities are interrupted by the arrival of the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks the magical ruby slippers now on Dorothy's feet. She vows revenge on Dorothy and Toto, raising the stakes for the young girl.

Munchkinland, Oz
7

Following the Yellow Brick Road

Glinda advises Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to seek help from the Wizard of Oz. Determined and hopeful, Dorothy sets off on her journey, eager to find a way home.

Yellow Brick Road, Oz
8

Meeting New Friends

On her journey, Dorothy encounters the Scarecrow, who wishes for a brain, the Tin Man, who longs for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion, who seeks courage. They band together, forming a close-knit group as they face various challenges.

Oz
9

Confrontation with the Wizard

Upon reaching the Emerald City, Dorothy and her friends are initially denied entry to see the Wizard. However, Dorothy's emotional plea convinces the guard to let them in, where they encounter the Wizard as a gigantic head.

Emerald City, Oz
10

The Wicked Witch's Capture

During their quest, Dorothy and Toto are captured by the Wicked Witch and her flying monkeys. However, through the bravery of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, they mount a rescue to save Dorothy from her clutches.

Wicked Witch's Castle, Oz
11

The Witch's Downfall

In a climactic moment, Dorothy unintentionally defeats the Wicked Witch by splashing her with water. The water causes the Witch to melt away, freeing the land from her malevolent grasp, as Dorothy and her friends cheer.

Wicked Witch's Castle, Oz
12

Returning to the Wizard

With the broomstick from the Wicked Witch in hand, Dorothy and her friends return to the Wizard. However, they are met with disappointment as the Wizard reveals he is not the powerful figure they expected but just an ordinary man.

Emerald City, Oz
13

The Wizard's Secret

The Wizard explains that he can help Dorothy and her friends but is ultimately a fraud, providing them with tokens symbolizing the qualities they desired. Despite this revelation, he still offers to take Dorothy back to Kansas.

Emerald City, Oz
14

The Balloon Chaos

During the preparations to leave, Toto jumps off the balloon, and Dorothy instinctively follows. In the resulting chaos, the balloon departs without her, leaving her stranded in Oz once again.

Emerald City, Oz
15

Homeward Bound

Glinda reappears to inform Dorothy that she always possessed the power to return home using her ruby slippers. After heartfelt farewells, Dorothy taps her heels together and utters, 'There's no place like home,' returning safely to Kansas.

Kansas

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 15:37

Unlock the Full Story of The Wizard of Oz

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Wizard of Oz in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Wizard of Oz is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Wizard of Oz Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wizard of Oz, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Wizard of Oz Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wizard of Oz

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Wizard of Oz. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wizard of Oz

More About The Wizard of Oz

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More About The Wizard of Oz

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