"Over the Rainbow" was the biggest popular hit of 1939, but it was almost cut from the film during the process of test screenings and final editing in the summer of 1939. According to one report, studio head Louis B. Mayer thought the song was too sad.

Dorothy tries to convince her aunt and uncle that Toto didn't bite Miss Gulch, but the old witch has an order from the sheriff.

Hunk, Zeke, and Hickory work on Aunt Em and Uncle Henry's farm. Their alter egos in Oz are the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Tin Woodsman.

The snow wasn't the only asbestos-laden element of production: The Wicked Witch's broom was made of asbestos, as was the Scarecrow's entire outfit.

Toto reportedly earned $125 per week of filming--but each Munchkin actor just $50.

His filing cabinet was labeled with alphabetical divisions 'A - N' and 'O - Z'; from drawer #2 came the wonderful land of Oz.

Jerry Maren, who played the green Lollipop Guild member, was the last living Munchkin actor.

When the Witch sets fire to the Scarecrow, Dorothy tosses a bucket of water at him; water also splashes the Witch, who melts away.

Professor Marvel uses his crystal ball to make Dorothy believe Aunt Em is dying of a broken heart. She races home, arriving just as a powerful tornado strikes.

Miss Almira Gulch is the real life counter part to The Wicked Witch of the West.