Down the Yellow Brick Pod

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Tara and EmKay's deep dive into the Emerald City continues with the macabre reality of how the horse of a different color came to life, celebrating the fabulous extras in this scene, unpacking the mechanics of creating  the skywriting sequence, and Betty Danko's terrifying and maddening fire explosion accident.

Show Notes:

• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Original music by Shane Chapman

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

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Our merry band has finally reached the end of their yellow brick road! After coming face to face with a familiar looking mustached doorman, they are all welcomed into the Emerald City with the song "Merry Old Land of Oz" and given some pampering by the fiercely dressed Emerald City citizens before an unfortunate skywriting incident sends everyone into concerned chaos! Rabbit holes include Frank Morgan's various costume/mustache changes, designing the Emerald City set and floors, and choosing our favorite citizen costume!! Part two dropping Wednesday!

Show Notes:

• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Original music by Shane Chapman

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

Our four friends (and Toto too!) skip down the yellow brick road towards an intoxicatingly beautiful field of vibrant red poppies, and Tara and EmKay are floored by the folklore that may still not have a sure answer: was Glinda's snow made out of asbestos or gypsum? The mystery continues! Rabbit holes include celebrating the life of Pat Walshe (Nikko), the fascinating afterlife of the Wicked Witch's crystal ball, a subtle shout out to the original novel's Golden Cap, and even a Sopranos crossover!

Show Notes:

• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman
• Iconic crystal ball from "The Wizard of Oz" visits Cornell University for a spell
• Cash from sale of 'Wizard of Oz' crystal ball to aid N.J. teen arts program
• 5 Things You Didn't Know About Gypsum
• The Crazy Tricks Early Filmmakers Used To Fake Snow

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

Tara and EmKay venture into the forest and dive into the not so cowardly life and times of vaudeville comic Bert Lahr! The master of self-deprecating humor, a larger than life Broadway staple of New York City, and deeply introverted when not on the stage, Bert's portrayal of the Cowardly Lion continues to make us laugh 80+ years later. (New York accent for the win.) The infamous "Victor Fleming slapping Judy Garland for laughing" incident is also recounted.

Show Notes:

• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman
• Bert Lahr Oliver! Lays Potato Chip Commercial
• Her Father, The Cowardly Lion: Bert Lahr’s Daughter Shares Her Memories of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Star
• "Woodsman" with Bert Lahr

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

Tara and EmKay are thrilled to be joined by the incredibly talented and inspiring Kiki Ebsen! An accomplished keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and recording artist, Kiki has traveled the world as a performer and recently released a new album, "Fill Me Up." She also calls a very special person Dad - the legendary Buddy Ebsen, and created and performed the critically acclaimed "To Dad With Love - A Tribute to Buddy Ebsen" in Los Angeles. She was incredibly generous in joining us to share her memories of Buddy, what it was like growing up in a show business family with a Disney Legend for a Dad, and personal insight into being a healing performer in 2021's changing landscape. Enjoy, and please visit Kiki's website for more!

Show Notes:

• Kiki Ebsen's Website

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

Jack Haley as been recast in the role of the Tin Man, and Tara and EmKay are here to admire his baby blues and vocal riffs. Other rabbit holes include a moment of appreciation for the voice of Snow White (another Disney Legend!), a possible explanation of why the Wicked Witch of the West is green, and a deleted bee scene that never came to be animated (probably for the best). AS WELL AS the biggest folklore debate of the film: Is that a crane in the background or not a crane at all?.. You tell us!

Show Notes:

• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

Dorothy and new pal Scarecrow (and Toto too) are off to see the Wizard, but not before they encounter some feisty trees, grab some apples for a snack, and what's this? A man made out of tin?! Tara and EmKay dive deep into MGM's hidden backstory of initially casting Disney Legend Buddy Ebsen in the role, which was short-lived after his terrifying illness due to the aluminum powder used in his makeup. Stay tuned for more on Jack Haley in Part 2 dropping Wednesday!

Show Notes:

• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman
• The Other Side of Oz by Buddy Ebsen
• "If I Only Had a Heart" - Buddy Ebsen's version
• Buddy and Vilma Ebsen in Broadway Melody of 1936

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

Dorothy and Toto have reached the rolling cornfields of Oz and are immediately drawn into conversation with a talking Scarecrow, played by none other than the loose-limbed and charming Ray Bolger! Tara and EmKay talk all things Ray (EmKay's bf) and his career beyond Oz, Ray and Judy's close relationship outside of the film, the creation of the Scarecrow's intricate makeup, and shout out their favorite moments of the scene including the ever-changing length of Dorothy's braids. #classic
In other news, join us over on Patreon where for the month of May we will be celebrating more of the lesser known works of Oz's stars, including Ray!

Show Notes:

• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• Ray Bolger: More Than a Scarecrow by Holly Van Leuven
• "More Than a Scarecrow" ..a Memento
• Masterworks Broadway - Ray Bolger
• "If I Only Had a Brain" - Extended deleted scene
• Ray Bolger 1978 Safeway Scotch Buy Commercial
• Judy Garland & Ray Bolger - "If I Only Had a Brain" (1964)
• American Experience: American Oz
• A Legend in Straw: The Spirit of my Uncle Ray Bolger by Christianna Rickard

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

We have arrived at our final installment of the glorious Munchkinland! Tara and EmKay dive into the scene's unforgettable music, celebrate starring featured moments from the Munchkins, indulge in some Lollipop Guild theories courtesy of Jerry Maren, and try not to flinch while detailing both Betty Danko and Margaret Hamilton's unfortunate accidents during the Wicked Witch's entrance and exit. All the witchiness in this one, ya'll!

Show Notes:

• "The Wizard of Oz": The Screenplay by Noel Langley, Edgar Allan Woolf, Florence Ryerson
• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• Short and Sweet: The Life and Times of the Lollipop Munchkin by Jerry Maren
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman
• Mrs. Ziegfeld: The Public and Private Lives of Billie Burke by Grant Hayter-Menzies 

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz

Send us Fan Mail

Tara and EmKay continue feasting their eyes upon Oz's Munchkinland by diving further into Dorothy and Glinda's relationship, Leo Singer's casting of over 120 little people to portray the Munchkins, vocal arranger Ken Darby's genius audio tactics, and begin to dip their toes in this scene's iconic songs! Part 3 dropping Friday.

Show Notes:

• "The Wizard of Oz": The Screenplay by Noel Langley, Edgar Allan Woolf, Florence Ryerson
• The Making of the Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM by Aljean Harmetz
• Short and Sweet: The Life and Times of the Lollipop Munchkin by Jerry Maren
• The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone,  William Stillman
• Mrs. Ziegfeld: The Public and Private Lives of Billie Burke by Grant Hayter-Menzies 
• Victor Young and His Orchestra - The Wizard of Oz

Instagram: 

@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: @emshray

Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod

Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader

Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast preserving the history and legacy of Oz