The 1930s were a time of enormous innovation and invention in the film industry. One such change was the development of Technicolor, a technological advance that has forever changed the face of the movies. In the original Technicolor process, as light entered the camera it was split into three separate beams, red, green, and blue, and each image was imprinted onto a its own film strip. After the images were processed and printed, they were dyed their respective colors and laminated together (“Technicolor”). However, this process was not an easy one to develop. The first successful process for color photographs was perfected in 1861. In the 1890s, with the invention of film, the search for color was begun once more. There were many filmmakers…show more content… However, the icon had to travel a long way to reach that status. Between directors *disappearing left and right and a slew of behind the scenes accidents, the MGM Studio classic film was nearly a disaster. Though Victor Fleming is credited with directing the majority of the footage, the film actually went through four directors. First on the scene was Richard Thorpe. With the casting and script writing already complete, Thorpe was left with the seemingly simple task of filming. However, Thorpe only worked on the film for two weeks before being fired. According to the film’s producer, Thorpe “didn't quite understand the story. He just didn't have the... the warmth or the feeling” (Rudolph). Thorpe’s footage was discarded, and he was discreetly shuffled off-set to be temporarily replaced by George Cukor while the studio looked for a permanent replacement. While Cukor did not do much filming, he is credited with making major changes to Thorpe’s original costume design, creating the iconic costumes society recognizes today. When Thorpe was on the project, Judy Garland, the actress playing Dorothy, wore a big, blond wig and heavy makeup. As soon as Cukor saw her, he immediately discarded the wig, as well as much of the makeup, and had her change her acting to a sweeter, less sophisticated style, insisting repeatedly that the character of Dorothy was “just a little girl from Kansas” (Rudolph). Despite his positive progress on the film, Cukor had other engagements, and he had to leave work on the film to direct another 1930s icon, Gone with the Wind. Cukor’s replacement, Victor Fleming is the director most often credited with creating the film. He adored the movie from the start, and he filmed some of its most memorable moments, including all of the Oz scenes. However, in a twist of irony, MGM pulled Victor Fleming off of The Wizard of Oz project to replace George Cukor on Gone with the Wind. King
