The Wiz (1978)
An adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" that tries to capture the essence of the African-American experience.
13,907
Cast & Crew
Top Billed Cast
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Dorothy -
Scarecrow -
Tinman -
Lion -
Evillene -
Aunt Em -
Miss One -
Glinda the Good -
The Wiz (Herman Smith) -
Uncle Henry
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Subway Peddler
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The Four Crows
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The Four Crows
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The Four Crows
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The Four Crows
Full cast
Director:
Sidney LumetWriters:
L. Frank Baum (novel), William F. Brown (book), Joel Schumacher (screenplay)All Cast & Crew
Reviews & Commentary
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Parents Guide
Did You Know?
Trivia
Sidney Lumet was chosen to direct primarily because of his reputation for finishing his pictures on time and within budget. The movie became the most expensive ever shot in New York City at the time
Quotes
Lion:
Don't give her the slippers, Dorothy!
Evillene:
Is this enough for you? No? Well, how about your metal friend over there?
Tinman:
Don't worry, Dorothy! I'm just an empty shell! This doesn't hurt me!
Goofs
During the wide shot in "Slide Some Oil to Me" when Nipsy Russell is dancing in front of the mirrors, there's a large hole in the canvas behind him. You can see a camera through the hole, and a couple of times, you can see a reflection of him dancing in the camera lens.
Crazy Credits
Fitzstephens, Jack ... Music Editor & Guru
Alternate Versions
When this movie debuted on CBS, the network trimmed several scenes to fit in a 3 hour block with commercials. Several scenes cut included: The arrival of the baby and its family at Aunt Emme's party. Some of the dancing and the Poms sequence with the Munchkins (it cut from them going down the stairs to some of them doing acrobatics). Portions of Mean Ole Lion were cut out. The chase sequence in the subway platform omitted how the Scarecrow and the Tin Man are rescued by the Lion. The Poppy Girls close-up shot was cut. Dance portions in the Emerald city during the Green and Red clothing were cut. The entire Emerald City Motel sequence was omitted plus Dorothy asking the guards of the gate how to get to Evilynn's. (It cut from RIchard Pryor peeking out to the time clock at the sweat shop).
Soundtracks
What Would I Do If I Could Feel?Written by Charlie Smalls
Performed by Nipsey Russell
Storyline
Plot Summary
Synopsis (WARNING: Spoilers)
Genres
Adventure | Family | Fantasy | MusicalDetails
Release Date:
24 October 1978Language
English
Country of Origin
USAFilming Locations
Hoyt-Schermerhorn Street Subway Station, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USABox Office
Budget:
$24,000,000 (estimated)
Gross USA:
$21,049,053
Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$21,049,053
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