Truly one-of-a-kind item! Signed book: The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, 7 x 9, published by the Bobbs-Merrill Company in 1903 (Bobbs-Merrill notes in 1928 that not all first editions are marked as such). This book is signed by just about everyone involved in the film, including Judy Garland, who signs twice, once on the front, then again on the reverse, writing “For Betty, Get well quickly! Love, Judy” The fountain pen signatures are on the first free end page, where “Directed by” has been written in an unidentified hand at the top, then “Photographed by” and the character names written down the left side of the page. The signatures, from top to bottom are: Harold Rosson, Judy Garland, Clara Blandick, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton, who has added “But not too bad!! Between fire & explosion, it’s been fun! Thank you Betty dear - for all you ‘took’ for me! Much love. Mag-the-Hag,” Frank Morgan, and beneath Morgan’s signature, and Toto’s paw print (!) with the name “Toto” written beside it. Also signed by a dozen more on the reverse, including those who did body make-up, wardrobe, etc. Curiously, Victor Fleming’s signature is secretarial. In very good to fine condition, with slightly loose spine, minor cover and spine wear, and typical toning; the signature page has a couple of small margin tears, none affecting the signatures. Betty Danko was the stunt double for Margaret Hamilton, who had, on the fourth take of the Witch’s disappearance from Munchkinland, caught on fire. The green make-up that was used at the time contained copper and was highly flammable. Only quick thinking and first aid kept her alive. On December 23, 1938, Margaret Hamilton left the studio and didn't return for six weeks. The skin on her right hand was so badly burned that she had to wear a tight-fitting green glove instead of make-up for the rest of the film, she had lost so much skin. The shot of the Witch’s fiery exit used in the movie was an earlier take. Naturally, Hamilton wanted nothing to do with fire for the rest of filming, so Hamilton’s double, Betty Danko, made a number of broom flights. At one point, the prop broom exploded, seriously injuring Danko and embedding bits of the costume in her leg and causing the costume’s hat to fly into the rafters above the stage. This landed Danko in the hospital for eleven days. Eileen Goodwin was brought in to complete the broomstick riding scene. COA PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
