When you think of Dorothy Gale in the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz, the image of a youthful, innocent girl skipping down the Yellow Brick Road instantly comes to mind. Judy Garland so perfectly embodied this iconic character, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history. However, behind theLand of Oz and the catchy tunes lies a less enchanting reality, particularly when considering the tender age of the star at its center. So, how old was Judy Garland when she played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz? The answer might surprise you and reveals a darker side of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Judy Garland’s Age During the Filming of The Wizard of Oz
Judy Garland was born on June 10, 1922. Filming for The Wizard of Oz commenced in October 1938 and wrapped up in March 1939. This timeline means that Judy Garland was 16 years old when filming began and turned 17 during the production of this monumental movie. While technically a teenager, the pressures and experiences she endured during filming robbed her of much of her youth. It’s crucial to understand that while she portrayed a character meant to be significantly younger, Garland herself was already navigating the complexities of adolescence under the harsh spotlight of Hollywood.
The Pressures of a Young Star in Classic Hollywood
Garland’s journey to stardom began incredibly early. Even before The Wizard of Oz, she had been performing from the age of two, pushed by her mother, Ethel Gumm. This early immersion into the entertainment industry meant that Garland’s childhood was far from ordinary. By the time she landed the role of Dorothy, she was already a seasoned performer, yet still a vulnerable teenager.
Judy Garland's early career and the pressures she faced as a child star in Hollywood.
The studio system of the 1930s, particularly Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) where Garland was signed, was notorious for its demanding and often exploitative practices. Young stars were molded and managed with an iron fist, their lives meticulously controlled to maximize their on-screen appeal and profitability. For Judy, this meant a relentless schedule, constant scrutiny of her appearance, and the imposition of harmful practices that would have long-lasting consequences.
Behind the Rainbow: Uncomfortable Truths on the Set of The Wizard of Oz
The making of The Wizard of Oz, while producing a beloved film, was far from a fairytale for Judy Garland. The article “The uncomfortable truth of Judy Garland’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ experience” from Far Out Magazine sheds light on the distressing realities she faced. Despite her youth, she was subjected to immense pressure to maintain a childlike figure. This included being placed on a strict diet and allegedly given amphetamines to suppress her appetite and keep her energy levels up during grueling filming schedules, followed by barbiturates to ensure she could sleep.
This cycle of stimulants and depressants, starting from a young age, contributed significantly to Garland’s lifelong struggles with addiction and mental health. Furthermore, reports from her ex-husband Sid Luft detailed instances of harassment and inappropriate behavior towards Garland by some of the adult actors playing the Munchkins. These alleged incidents, minimized and dismissed by studio executives, added to the traumatic environment she experienced.
The physical demands of the role were also considerable. Garland had to wear painful corsets and bust-flattening bandages to appear younger and more boyish, fitting the studio’s desired image of Dorothy. The filming conditions themselves were often hazardous, with cast members facing injuries and health risks, such as the use of asbestos for artificial snow.
The Lasting Impact of Oz on Judy Garland
The Wizard of Oz catapulted Judy Garland to international fame and cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. However, the intense and damaging experiences during its production left deep scars. The film, meant to be a whimsical fantasy, became inextricably linked with the onset of her personal struggles.
The exploitation and pressures she faced as a teenager on the set of The Wizard of Oz were not isolated incidents but rather indicative of a broader culture within the studio system that prioritized profit and image over the well-being of its young stars. The film, while a cinematic triumph, also stands as a stark reminder of the dark side of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the heavy price paid by some of its brightest talents.
In conclusion, Judy Garland was 16 and turned 17 during the filming of The Wizard of Oz. While on the cusp of adulthood, her experiences on set underscore the vulnerability of child stars and the often-unseen hardships behind the glitz and glamour of classic Hollywood. Understanding her age in relation to the film’s production provides a crucial perspective on the complex and ultimately tragic life of Judy Garland, forever linked to the rainbow and the Land of Oz.
