The Munchkins of Oz [Paperback]

Stephen Cox (Author), Billy Barty (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

In November 1938 a crowd of more than 120 tiny actors ambled through the gates of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios in Hollywood. Headed for the set of one of America’s all-time classic movies, The Wizard of Oz, they were about to become known as Munchkins.

Few movies have ever achieved the popularity and acclaim of The Wizard of Oz. It made the reputations of Judy Garland and many others, but ironically, the diminutive actors and actresses who peopled Munchkinland weren’t even listed in the credits. Most of us have never heard their names. Now their story is finally told in a new and revised edition as thirty ex-Munchkins reveal their amazing personal stories.

The Munchkins of Oz offers a fresh perspective on the filming of The Wizard of Oz and what went on behind the scenes. We learn about life on the Munchkinland set, how they were recruited, intimate memories of the stars, and the Munchkins’ lives before and after Oz. More than 300 photos, many first published in this book, illustrate and enhance the lively text. ENTERTAINMENT; FILM 300-PLUS B/W ILLUSTRATIONS 8-PAGE COLOR INSERT 8” X 10”, 224 PAGES PAPERBACK

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Popular showbiz historian Cox departs from his usual fare of hokey TV shows like The Munsters and I Dream of Jeannie to revise and retitle his 1989 book about the midgets who impersonated the Munchkins in the 1939 Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz. Cox tells where they came from (many were European immigrants, and the core of their ranks were professional performers from the troupe Singer's Midgets), how they fared during filming (Toto got paid more per week than any of them), what they did off the set (nothing like the carousing Judy Garland told Jack Paar about 20 years later), and what thereafter became of those among them who stayed in show business. Sidebars on the major regular-sized Wizard participants and other pertinent topics fill out the text, and a huge helping of riveting photos ensures that this item will be heavily browsed for years to come. Ray Olson

About the Author

STEPHEN COX is an entertainment historian and journalist. With a focus on television and movie history, he has contributed to several books about the high priests of low comedy, The Three Stooges, and is the author of several books, including The Abbott and Costello Story, The Addams Chronicles, and Cooking in Oz (with Elaine Willingham). He lives in Burbank, California. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 209 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing; First Edition edition (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888952040
• ISBN-13: 978-1888952049
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #839,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Lollipop Guild Lives, May 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Munchkins of Oz (Paperback)

This is probably the most interesting Oz book in my collection. Finally someone reveals who these little people are, and in such an entertaining manner. I couldn't put this book down. I've read so many books about Prod. 1060, aka "The Wizard of Oz" (MGM) which are dry and stale. This book puts the whole experience into perspective and provides a human side to the Munchkin actors. I'm glad to hear some of them survive. The photographs in here are glorious. The color photography jumps out at you. Bravo to Steven Cox for doing such a handsome job and such a respectful job with "The Munchkins of Oz." If you want a book on Oz that is unique--this is the one.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A big tribute to a tiny few, March 12, 2000

By 

john sforza - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Munchkins of Oz (Paperback)

"The Munchkins of Oz" is a fascinating book, the first of many Oz installments to shed light upon the unsung inhabitants of Munchkinland and their contributions to one of the greatest movies ever to cyclone out of Hollywood.

Steve Cox shows a candid reverence for his topic, having befriended many of the little people who guided Dorothy on her way to the Emerald City. Most importantly, Cox gives real-life, human stature to a unique group of entertainers who were regarded as little more than film extras for decades, and he tells their story with emotion, humor and refreshing frankness, which makes for a very easy read. Through his extensive research, Cox finally puts the "Under the Rainbow" rumors in their proper perspective, demonstrating that the Singer Midgets were hardworking, professional actors (before and after Oz) who, as a result of Tinseltown's gossipy lore, bore the brunt of an escalating bad reputation over the years.

Lots of great anecdotes and interesting bits about the movie itself, and the all-star cast as well. Also abundant are current-day updates on the lives of the miniature performers, who are finally enjoying a long-overdue nod from an industry which too often overlooks its stars of yesteryear.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Great pictures! Great stories!, March 20, 2003

By 

Harvey187 "Harvey187" (East Coast) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Munchkins of Oz: Revised and Updated (Paperback)

I first read this book when the first edition came out, and was really impressed with the depth in which the author went to gather the information for this book -- hours spent locating and contacting the surviving Munchkins, all the interviews that took place, etc. This is NOT one of my favorite movies, by any means, but I always liked the first seen in Oz, where Dorothy meets the Munchkins, and this book really showed you who these people were and how they managed to get into the movie. Alot of great pictures help make the book really stand out. With each reissue (this is the third edition of the book), the author is able to provide a little bit more information on the Munchkin actors and actresses, and provides additional pictures to keep the experience of the book fresh. I would highly recommend not just this edition, but the two previous editions if you are able to find them. A great read!