16 Fantastic Films About Witchcraft (Before Harry Potter)

12. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

You cannot have an article about witches without mentioning The Wizard of Oz. Its absence on the list would be be very conspicuous indeed. Dorothy's evil neighbours are after her dog Toto. Luckily a tornado comes along and places Dorothy into the Land of Oz. Dorothy is greeted by Glinda the Good Witch of the North and she is feted by the Munchkins because her house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East. "Ding dong the witch is dead!". The deceased witch's sister - the Wicked Witch of the West comes along and threatens Dorothy that she will get her revenge. Dorothy continues on her way to Emerald City where along the way she meets a Tin Man, a Scarecrow and a cowardly lion. They accompany Dorothy on her journey and they meet the Wizard who says he will grant their wishes if they can obtain the West Witch's broomstick and give it to him. They venture forth to the witch's castle where they are attacked by some rather scary flying monkeys who capture Dorothy and Toto. After failing to obtain the magical shoes off Dorothy, the witch decides to kill her. Dorothy is set free and while putting out a fire, she splashes some water on the witch, making her dissolve. Due to this fortunate turn of events, the guards give Dorothy the charred broomstick. The Wizard is pleased, everyone gets what they want and the good witch shows Dorothy how to go home The witches are by far and away the most interesting thing in The Wizard of Oz. The wizard is crappy and who cares whether the lion gets courage or the scarecrow gets a brain? Witch action is what we want. The Wicked Witch of the West, with her flying monkeys, has terrified children for decades now. I imagine she must have been quite shocking back in 1939. As for Glinda the sickly sweet Good Witch, with her character the film makers acknowledge that witches can be good as well as bad. Until then, witches had not been given good press. Ultimately The Wizard of Oz is a feel good film, but it does get a little scary when the Wicked Witch of the West decides to kill Dorothy. However every good tale has a good scary villain to contrast with the hero/heroine.