“The New Wizard of Oz” is a silent fantasy film released in 1914 and directed by L. Frank Baum, the author of the original “Wizard of Oz” book. It is based on the second book in Baum’s Oz series, “The Marvelous Land of Oz”.
The film follows the adventures of a young boy named Tip (Violet MacMillan) who runs away from his cruel guardian, the wicked witch Mombi (Mai Wells). Along with his friends Jack Pumpkinhead (Charles Murray) and the Sawhorse (Fred Woodward), Tip sets out to find the Emerald City and seek the help of the great Wizard of Oz (J. Charles Haydon) to defeat Mombi and save the Land of Oz.
However, when they finally reach the Emerald City, they discover that the Wizard is not what he seems and that Mombi has her own plans to take control of Oz.
“The New Wizard of Oz” was one of the earliest adaptations of Baum’s Oz series and helped to establish the popularity of the franchise. The film features impressive special effects for its time, including stop-motion animation and hand-drawn animation, as well as colorful costumes and sets.
Overall, “The New Wizard of Oz” is a charming and imaginative film that captures the spirit of Baum’s original stories. While it may seem dated by modern standards, it remains an important piece of early cinema history and a beloved classic among fans of the Oz series.
Directors:
J. Farrell MacDonald
Writer:
L. Frank Baum
Stars:
Violet Mac, MillanFrank Moore, Pierre Couderc
