Signed book: The New Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1903, but a subsequent printing). Pictorial hardcover, 7 x 9, 208 pages. This copy of Baum’s classic survives as a most remarkable relic from a film that, in the nearly seven decades since its 1939 release, has transcended mere popularity to become a singular icon in the history of film—and one of the benchmarks of American popular culture. The history of this item begins in December 1938, with a shocking near-tragedy that has become one of the most memorable bits of lore associated with the film’s production. As the cameras rolled during the sequence when Margaret Hamilton, as the Witch, was supposed to disappear from Munchkinland in a puff of smoke, a malfunction in the trapdoor elevator ignited her highly flammable green makeup. Hamilton suffered severe burns that left her unable to return to the studio for six weeks. The injury to the skin of her right hand was so acute that she had to wear a tight-fitting glove for the remainder of filming, and she refused to perform in any scenes that involved pyrotechnic effects. In a classic demonstration of the showbiz dictum “the show must go on” —a virtual imperative, given the film’s then-astronomical budget of $2.77 million—a number of Hamilton’s scenes were shot with Betty Danko, who had been hired as Hamilton’s stunt double. Though better prepared for physical rigors than Hamilton had been, Danko herself was injured during filming—most notably when, during the famous “skywriting” sequence, a smoke-effects pipe exploded and literally blew Danko off the witch’s broomstick. Danko’s not inconsiderable contribution to the storied production was obviously much appreciated by her fellow cast and crew members, who showed their regard by signing this copy of Baum’s beloved tale. The signatures are on both sides of a blank front page. The front side bears a handwritten listing of the principal characters and crew members, who have signed by their respective roles: [cinematographer] Harold Rossen, Judy Garland, Clara Blandick (adding “Speedy recovery” ), Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton (adding, “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, arguably the most remarkable and rarest of all Oz-related signatures, the inked paw print of Toto, helpfully identified with a caption in a human hand. The top of the page bears the secretarial signature of director Victor Fleming. The centerpiece of the reverse side is a large second inscription and signature by Garland: “For Betty, Get well quickly, Judy.” Surrounding Garland’s inscription are the signatures and sentiments of eleven crew members involved in various aspects of makeup, wardrobe, and the like. The book is in very good to fine condition, with minor rubbing to covers, a touch of wear to extremities, and typical mild toning to interior. The signed page has a tiny tear at the top edge and a 1.5″ vertical tear at the gutter, both well away from any writing. The “cast” side has a few minor smudges to blank portions, and several of the signatures lightly touch one another. All of the signatures are clearly and darkly penned. It is hardly possible, or necessary, to exaggerate the importance and desirability of the present item as a tangible relic of what may well be the most universally beloved film of all time. Consider the factors: the extremely rare grouping of cast members on a single, Oz-related item; the date of the signatures, obviously contemporaneous to the film’s production; the likely unique contribution of Toto; the provenance tracing directly to an important member of the production; and the appealing state of preservation. A worthy addition to your Oz collection? This is your Oz collection! LOA PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
