There are films that come and go, and then there are films that live forever. The Wizard of Oz (1939) is one of those rare pieces of cinema that transcends time, culture and even generations. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Cameo Art House Theatre invites Fayetteville audiences of all ages to step into the magic once again, with a special screening of the beloved classic. Families, friends and film enthusiasts are encouraged not only to watch, but to come dressed as their favorite characters, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Wicked Witch, or even a sweet little munchkin. This event is more than just a movie screening. It’s a celebration of one of the most enduring films in history, one that continues to hold a special place in American life.
A Landmark Year: 1939
Directed by Victor Fleming, The Wizard of Oz premiered in 1939, a year often referred to as the greatest in Hollywood history. Remarkably, Fleming also directed another monumental work that year: Gone with the Wind. To think that one filmmaker could helm both the fantastical journey of Dorothy Gale and the massive Civil War epic within the same year is almost beyond comprehension. The achievement is a reminder of how much the golden age of Hollywood shaped the way we watch and think about movies today.
Restored to Brilliance
Over the decades, The Wizard of Oz has been lovingly restored multiple times, ensuring that audiences see the film in the best possible quality. The 4K restoration brings back the richness of its pioneering Technicolor sequences, especially the unforgettable transition from the sepia-toned Kansas to the dazzlingly colorful Land of Oz.
The restoration highlights every detail from the emerald gleam of the Emerald City to the ruby sparkle of Dorothy’s iconic slippers. It’s a reminder that the artistry of classic Hollywood still stands tall in the digital age.
Recognized as One of the Greatest
Unsurprisingly, The Wizard of Oz continues to appear on countless “greatest films of all time” lists. The American Film Institute places it high among its Top 100 films, and it has been recognized as the number one family film in American cinema. Its songs, especially “Over the Rainbow” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” have become part of our cultural DNA, echoing in classrooms, community stages and screens for generations.
The Stars Who Made It Shine
At the center of the film is Judy Garland, whose performance as Dorothy made her an international star at just 16 years old. Her wide-eyed innocence, coupled with her deeply emotive voice, created a heroine who still resonates today. Garland’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” is more than just a song … It’s an anthem of hope, longing and wonder.
She was joined by an unforgettable ensemble: Ray Bolger as the lanky and lovable Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the gentle Tin Man and Bert Lahr as the hilariously brave Cowardly Lion. Margaret Hamilton gave us one of cinema’s most iconic villains as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Frank Morgan delighted in his multiple roles, most memorably as the Wizard himself. Together, this cast created characters so timeless that we all feel we know them personally.
A Family Tradition
For many, The Wizard of Oz is more than just a movie; it’s a tradition. For me, growing up, it always seemed to play around the holidays. Oddly, it felt like a Christmas tradition in my family. We would gather around the television, hot cocoa in hand and watch Dorothy and her friends make their way down the yellow brick road. Even though there’s nothing overtly “holiday” about it, the film carried a warmth and a sense of togetherness that made it feel right for that season. I suspect many others share that memory; the film somehow became woven into our yearly rhythms of family, comfort and nostalgia.
A Community Event at the Cameo
The Cameo Art House Theatre is embracing that sense of tradition and community with this Sept. 21 screening. It’s more than an invitation to watch a film; it’s a call to participate. Everyone is encouraged to dress as their favorite character, whether that’s Dorothy with her blue gingham dress and ruby slippers or a Cowardly Lion with a mane of courage. Families can come as entire ensembles as well.
Why It Endures
So why does The Wizard of Oz endure after 85 years? Perhaps it’s because the story is universal. We’ve all felt the longing to find a place “over the rainbow.” We’ve all wished for more courage, more brains, or more heart. And we’ve all come to realize, at one time or another, that there’s no place like home. More than anything, the film endures because it speaks to both children and adults. Kids delight in the colorful adventure, the songs and the characters. Adults see the deeper messages of resilience, hope, and self-discovery. Few films strike that balance so perfectly.
The Yellow Brick Road Leads to Hay Street
On Sept. 21, the yellow brick road will lead straight to Hay Street, where the Cameo awaits. Dust off your ruby slippers, practice your “If I Only Had a Brain” shuffle, and prepare for a journey to Oz. Some films may pass with the years, but The Wizard of Oz remains timeless. And there’s no better way to experience it than on the big screen, surrounded by the magic of community.
After all, as Dorothy taught us, the dreams we dare to dream really do come true.