The Wizard of Oz"The Wizard of Oz" opened in theaters in 1939. Though it received mostly favorable reviews, box office receipts were disappointing. The film won an Oscar for Best Song of the Year with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and the movie was nominated for Best Picture of 1939. Several generations have grown up with "The Wizard of Oz," making it one of the most popular movies of all time. TV screenings of the movie continue to be eagerly anticipated. The movie has been a money maker for the video industry since it's first release in 1980. In fact, "The Wizard of Oz" was the first video cassette that MGM/CBS Home Video produced and released to the public. Most of the cast members were responsive signers while living. Many would sign through the mail, free of charge. The immense popularity of "The Wizard of Oz" has pushed some of those easy autographs into high dollar collector items. Judy GarlandJudy Garland (1922-1969) is obviously going to be key to an "Oz" autograph collection. Signed photos of Garland as Dorothy are extremely rare. Collectors without deep pockets will have to be content with photos not related to "Oz" or maybe a signature that can be matted with photos. If you are serious about her autograph the time to buy is now, since it probably will not do anything but increase in value. Garland signed photos sell in the $900 - $1,000 range. Signatures are in the $350 - $450 range. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly LionRay Bolger (1904-1987) played "the Scarecrow." Signed photos sell for around $200 and signatures sell for about $75. The "Tin Man" was Jack Haley (1899-1979). His photos sell in the range of $250 - $300 and signatures sell for about $75. Bert Lahr (1895-1967) was in the "Cowardly Lion" costume. His photos sell in the neighborhood of $600. Signatures usually sell for about $300. The WitchesThe "Wicked Witch of the West" was Margaret Hamilton (1902-1985). Her photo can usually be found for about $300. That $300 might be enough to get a photo of her in her "Wicked Witch" role. She signed many of those photos though the mail. Signatures can be found for somewhere around $100. The "Good Witch of the South" was Billie Burke (1885-1970). Signed photos (not as the Witch) sell for around $250. Signatures sell for about half that. Signed photos as the Witch are rare. The MunchkinsThe MGM production team asked for 300 little people to do the Munchkin roles, but finally accepting the fact that assembling a cast that large would be a tough, they settled for 124. Munchkin autographs are easy to find, depending on the Munchkin. The Munchkins weren't individually credited in the movie and they didn't get much attention from the public until the 1980's with the introduction of the movie to home video and the 50th anniversary of the movie's first theatrical release. Some of the surviving Munchkins became very popular guests at Oz conventions. They would sign photos for a nominal amount - or sometimes free. There are only seven Munchkins still living. Munchkin signed photos are still cheap. Some group signed photos can be pricey though, depending on how many signed. Some Rare OnesDorothy's uncle was played by Charley Grapewin (1875-1956). His autograph is rare. When a signature can be found it will sell for as much as $400. Signed photos are so rare that a realistic price can not be attached. Clara Blandick 1880-1962) played Dorothy's aunt. Signatures sell for about $400. Signed photos are like Grapewin's - so rare that a price can not be determined. "The Wizard of Oz" was directed by Victor Fleming (1883-1949). Expect to pay as much as $1,000 for a photo and about half that for a signature. Some of those prices might look high, but "The Wizard of Oz" collectors do pay them. Expect many of those autographs to increase in value, even those Munchkins that signed for free just a few years ago.
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