If you, like us, grew up with The Wizard of Oz, you???ll know that it???s pure unbridled joy. So the good news is that we???re bringing it back to the big screen on 28 September, and the even BETTER news is that Judy, the hotly tipped biopic about the film???s star, comes out just after on 2 October.
When young Dorothy is whisked away from her Kansas home by a tornado, she finds herself in the distant land of Oz. 
The Wizard of Oz
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So basically: it???s the perfect autumnal combo. Introduce your kids, mates, whoever, to the 1939 classic; then catch what the critics are calling Renee Zellweger???s career-best performance as the troubled Garland, 30 years after Oz (definitely don???t bring the kids to this one, though.)
Here???s everything you need to know about both:
A girl tries to find her way home with the help of a lion, scarecrow and man made of tin. That???s the short version, anyway. Lots of weird and wonderful interpretations exist (Christian allegory or feminist tract?) but what we can all agree on is this: there???s no place like home.
Who???s in it?
The legendary Judy Garland, aged 16 in her first major film role and the one she is best remembered for. Plus: a dog! Here???s Terry the female Cairn Terrier playing Toto.
Here???s everything you need to know about both:
THE WIZARD OF OZ
What???s the story?A girl tries to find her way home with the help of a lion, scarecrow and man made of tin. That???s the short version, anyway. Lots of weird and wonderful interpretations exist (Christian allegory or feminist tract?) but what we can all agree on is this: there???s no place like home.
Who???s in it?
The legendary Judy Garland, aged 16 in her first major film role and the one she is best remembered for. Plus: a dog! Here???s Terry the female Cairn Terrier playing Toto.
Any awards?
It won Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the Oscars (the latter for Somewhere Over the Rainbow, obviously). Judy Garland also won a special Academy Juvenile Award, jointly for her roles in Oz and Babes in Arms. It was up for more too, but it’s tough when your film comes out the same year as Gone With the Wind.
It won Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the Oscars (the latter for Somewhere Over the Rainbow, obviously). Judy Garland also won a special Academy Juvenile Award, jointly for her roles in Oz and Babes in Arms. It was up for more too, but it’s tough when your film comes out the same year as Gone With the Wind.
Best bit?
Nope, sorry - it???s impossible to pick just one from so many iconic scenes. ???I???m melting, meltiiiing...???, Garland belting out Over the Rainbow, Toto pulling back the curtain on Oz, the Scarecrow lamenting ???If I only had a brain???, the sheer sparkliness of the ruby slippers... the whole thing, basically.
Nope, sorry - it???s impossible to pick just one from so many iconic scenes. ???I???m melting, meltiiiing...???, Garland belting out Over the Rainbow, Toto pulling back the curtain on Oz, the Scarecrow lamenting ???If I only had a brain???, the sheer sparkliness of the ruby slippers... the whole thing, basically.
Bonus fun fact
According to HMV, Judy Garland wanted to adopt Terry the dog - she recuperated at Garland’s house after a cast member stood on her and broke her tiny dog foot.
A biographical film about Judy Garland’s time in London 30 years after The Wizard of Oz, in the months before her death. She’s struggling with money, drugs and keeping her children. Imagine it as a kind of sequel to A Star is Born, showcasing the realities of stardom and the tragedy of the Hollywood system.
Who’s in it?
Renée Zellweger is almost unrecognisable as Judy in a twitchy, mesmerising performance that includes all the singing and dancing too. Rufus Sewell plays her nasty ex husband while Game of Thrones’ iconic Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey) is one of her young children.
According to HMV, Judy Garland wanted to adopt Terry the dog - she recuperated at Garland’s house after a cast member stood on her and broke her tiny dog foot.
JUDY
What’s the story?A biographical film about Judy Garland’s time in London 30 years after The Wizard of Oz, in the months before her death. She’s struggling with money, drugs and keeping her children. Imagine it as a kind of sequel to A Star is Born, showcasing the realities of stardom and the tragedy of the Hollywood system.
Who’s in it?
Renée Zellweger is almost unrecognisable as Judy in a twitchy, mesmerising performance that includes all the singing and dancing too. Rufus Sewell plays her nasty ex husband while Game of Thrones’ iconic Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey) is one of her young children.
Any awards?
The film debuted at Telluride Film Festival in September, where Zellweger was awarded the coveted Silver Medallion for her contribution to cinema - we would not be at all surprised to see her nominated for many more. Best Actress at next year’s Oscars, perhaps..?
The film debuted at Telluride Film Festival in September, where Zellweger was awarded the coveted Silver Medallion for her contribution to cinema - we would not be at all surprised to see her nominated for many more. Best Actress at next year’s Oscars, perhaps..?
