LIFE The Wizard of Oz

Dorothy and her profound journey of self-discovery with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and her little dog Toto have long ascended to the level of cultural myth. Now, the editors at LIFE celebrate yet another decade of its vivid life and influence with this special, commemorative issue, ‘The Wizard of Oz: A Timeless Film Turns 80.’ Begin with “The Eternal Oz,” an extensive and insightful essay by Richard Corliss that goes behind the scenes and below the surface to present the brilliance and importance of the film. Meet the progressive, feminist author of the book that led to this classic film in “Who Was L. Frank Baum?” Then, “Imagining Oz” and “Sowing the Seeds” take you behind the scenes and through the intricate and fascinating production of the film. Consider one of the most powerful years in film production, “The Class of ’39,” that brought other classics such as ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.’ Throughout LIFE’s ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ you’ll find rare and lavish photography about the iconic film, intimate portraits of the film's stars, and exclusive commentary from renowned contributors. Celebrate the decades of history, explore the legends and lore, and consider the profound effects the film has had on not just the film industry, but on culture.