There have been few films withthe same level of anticipationasWicked.
Playing heavily on Americas nostalgia forThe Wizard of Oz,it presents a morenuancedtake on the world ofL.
However,the two entities have much more in common, especially in the way ofbehind-the-scenes danger.
Image via Universal Pictures
Two Wizard of Oz Actresses Performed Dangerous Stunts
1939sThe Wizard of Ozis theclassic to end all classics.
However,making the movie was an infamously difficult task.
Margaret Hamiltonhas intrigued and terrified countless generations with her Wicked Witch.
The story of how a green-skinned woman framed by the Wizard of Oz becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The first of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
The effect was, of course, accomplished practically.
By design, the Witches entrance was supposed to catapult her on to the stage.
During rehearsal, a crew member fell through the aluminum cover that covered the hole and injured Danko.
The hit musical will finally make its screen debut in 2024!
The catapult was replaced by an elevator, but that led to more trouble.
When Hamilton shot her first take of her fiery exit, the shot went without a hitch.
But directorVictor Fleming, whose perfectionism oftencreated difficulty on set, wanted to film several safety takes.
After four less-than-perfect takes were shot, Fleming demanded the fifth be perfect.
This wasn’t the last trap door incident that would plague an Oz witch.
But not everything was smooth flying for the star.
As the show builds towards its finale, the famous melting scene is performed.
Menzel would normally sink below the stage via an elevator.
Every night, Id step on it and then it would go down, said Menzel.
…one night, there was a sub-automation person on.
She explained that the trap door was initiated before she was on the platform.
I walked into a five-foot open hole.
WhileMenzel caught herself before plummeting through, she ended up breaking her ribs in the process.
The first of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
