The cost of producing the film was a staggering $2,777,000. So far the film has yet to recoup that investment.
Lead Munchkin Jerry Maren revealed that the "little people" on the set were paid $50 per week, while Toto the dog was paid $125 per week.
Many of the Wicked Witch's scenes were trimmed or deleted as she was considered too frightening for audiences.
The film had five different directors: Richard Thorpe who was fired, George Cukor who was brought in as a temporary replacement, Victor Fleming who departed to direct "Gone with the Wind," and King Vidor who finished the production.
Actress Judy Garland wore a painful corset during filming in order appear younger and less womanly.
Rising stars Shirley Temple, Deanna Durbin, and Bonita Granville were all considered for the role of Dorothy.
Margaret Hamilton received second and third degree burns as a result of a trapdoor malfunction during the Witch's fiery exit from Munchkinland.
When production started on the film, Judy Garland wore a blond wig and heavy "baby-doll" make-up.
Actor Buddy Ebsen was the film's original Tin Man before an allergic reaction to the aluminum dust contained in the make-up forced him to withdraw from filming. Jack Haley took over the role and the make-up was changed.
The Wicked Witch of the West was to be played by actress Gale Sondergaar, but instead the role went to Margaret Hamilton after producers decided to make the witch "ugly."
The Witch's crystal ball was also used the in the films "The Mask of Fu Manchu" and "Chandu the Magician."
Watch closely and you'll see Frank Morgan playing not only the Wizard, but Professor Marvel, the gatekeeper of the Emerald City, the driver of the carriage drawn by "The Horse of a Different Color", an armed guard, and the apparition of the Wizard.
Glinda's gown was first worn by actress Jeanette MacDonald in the film "San Francisco."
