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If you would like to visit an excellent Oz web site, go to Donna Stewart-Hardway's site.  (She was a child munchkin in the movie.)  You can go there by clicking your heels three times and then clicking on the yellow brick road.

Notes on a Cowardly Lion: The Biography of Bert Lahr By John Lahr ISBN: 0520223047 Before reading Notes on a Cowardly Lion: The Biography of Bert Lahr my knowledge of Bert Lahr was limited to his incredible performance as the Cowardly Lion in the classic film The Wizard of Oz. So when the University of California Press republished John Lahr’s biography of his father in 2000, I was eager to read it. Originally published in 1969, this latest edition includes an informative and poignant new Preface by the author. After a less than happy childhood, Bert Lahr (original name Irving Lahrheim) joined an act called The Seven Frolics in 1910 at the age of 15. In becoming an entertainer Lahr had found his calling. During the six months after leaving school Lahr had, and lost, 15 jobs! However, as a comedian and actor Lahr excelled. Along with his vaudville partner and first wife, Mercedes Delpino, Lahr made a successful transition from burlesque to vaudeville. “Despite their problems, in less than a year Lahr and Mercedes vaulted into the vaudeville limelight. By June of 1925 they were listed among the Keith-Albee All-Star acts. When they played the Palace in New York, the supreme test for every vaudeville performer, the critics knew that the act had found its pace and maturity. Lahr played the Palace for five hundred dollars a week; five years later he played it three times in one year for five thousand dollars a performance.” (pages 78, 79) In 1928 Lahr signed a five year contract with Vinton Freedley and Alexander Aarons who were successful musical comedy producers on Broadway. Unfortunately, Lahr’s wife was not well and, in 1930, she was committed to a sanitarium. Lahr married Mildred Schroeder in 1940. Besides burlesque, vaudeville and Broadway, Lahr’s acting career included radio, television and movies. John Lahr provides considerable information and insight into his father’s professional career. While the section pertaining to The Wizard of Oz does not make up a large part of this 395 page book, it is informative including some of the problems that had to be overcome in the making of this wonderful movie. “There were many outrageous problems: a flying witch, bolts of fire, simulated tornadoes. How do you get a rusted Tin Woodsman off his mound of earth on to the road for a dance? How will the Cowardly Lion wag the tail of his one hundred-pound lion suit? How do you teach 350 Munchkins to sing ‘We Welcome You to Munchkin Land,’ when only a third of them speak English?” (page 193) Relying on his father’s memories and those of people who worked with the exceptional actor, John Lahr has written an excellent biography of Bert Lahr. Lahr doesn’t try to hide his father’s faults and shortcomings, quite the opposite in fact. And, being Bert Lahr’s son, John Lahr has information and insight into his father’s life that would only be available to family members. The result is a detailed, interesting and entertaining account of his father’s life – particularly as it pertains to the craft that his father did so skillfully. More than 60 photographs complement the text. But you don’t have to take my word for it. The following is what Jack Haley, Bert Lahr’s friend and fellow actor in The Wizard of Oz, says in his autobiography The Heart of the Tin Man about John Lahr’s book. “How can I objectively review a book whose author is my godson, and when the subject of the biography a close friend for over forty-five years? One reason I can get away with applauding this book is the praise it has already received by so many fans and critics. John Lahr's Notes on a Cowardly Lion has been so well received, I need only point to those reviews and say ‘ditto.’  “...In writing Notes on a Cowardly Lion, John Lahr set aside filial love in favor of the truth. He lays bare his father’s trespasses and brings us a tragic story of a man who feasted his audiences nightly with laughter, but could never bring a sample home for his wife and children. “While I read that book, somewhere, Bert Lahr was saying , “Well...that ain’t exactly how it was, it was funnier than that! John’s a kid, he don’t know. How could he? It was funnier than that, I tell ya, it was mmuuuuch FUN-UN-UN-UN-iii-eeerrrr!”

Heart of the Tin Man: The Collected Writings of Jack Haley
By Jack Haley, Edited by Mitchell Cohen
ISBN: 0970387202

When you hear the name Jack Haley most people think of the Tin Man in the wonderful movie The Wizard of Oz. And while Haley’s excellent performance in this movie classic is legendary, it is but one role of many that he performed during a very successful and rewarding life.

My initial reason to read Haley’s autobiography was to learn more about my favourite movie and, arguably, the best movie of all time, The Wizard of Oz. While Heart of the Tin Man contains less information than I would have liked pertaining to Haley’s experience’s and observations regarding this incredible movie, the book itself does not disappoint. Haley’s wonderful writing, candid comments and insightful observations on people, places and things makes for a very entertaining and educational read. He successfully captures and shares with his readers a part of history - particularly as it applies to the entertainment industry in the 20th century.

Jack Haley was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1897. Six months later his father, a sea captain, died when his ship sank in a storm off of the coast of Nova Scotia. When he was five years old, Haley attended a Christmas show with his mother and older brother. During this show Haley heard the applause and laughter and he knew that these were for him.

While Haley worked at a variety of jobs, including an electrician’s helper and a "song plugger," his heart was set on becoming an actor/entertainer. His dreams were realized when he signed on for the act the Soda Fountain Girls. Later Haley would hone his skills and meet his lifelong friend Bert Lahr in Folly Town. Not long after that Haley teamed with Charlie Crafts to play the Palace - a place Haley describes as the "…vaudeville hall of fame."

Haley’s steady rise in vaudeville continued to motion pictures when Follow Thru, a Broadway musical that opened in 1929 became a movie. According to Haley, "Follow Thru vaulted me to star status, and then appearing in the same role, in my first Hollywood talking picture secured it."

Throughout Heart of the Tin Man, Haley recounts numerous entertaining and humourous accounts of friends such as Tommy Dugan and Ed Sullivan. Sections on John Barrymore, Shirley Temple and Jackie Gleason provide excellent insight into these famous performers.

Part I of the book is Haley’s "Early Memoirs." Part II is "The Wizard of Oz," Part III "Later Memoirs," Part IV "Poems, Thoughts and Prayers" and Part V "Diary of 1978-1979." The section on "Poems, Thoughts and Prayers" contains many wise observations about life. One of Haley’s astute beliefs under the heading "Haley’s Hearty Thoughts" is "If I had a choice of being rich since childhood, or being poor before attaining wealth, I would elect impoverishment first. Poverty during youth teaches a lesson in economics never to be learned at Harvard."

Another of Haley’s insightful reflections on life is his poem "Protect This World,"

This world is more important
than the people in it.
It’s been here for eons,
we for but a minute.
Protect the environment
Remember, you’re a guest.
You will not be invited back,
if you foul the nest.

In the last section of the book, "Diary of 1978-1979," Haley wrote the following in his diary on February 22, 1978,

"…Typed a few pages of my book today, cleaning it up. I was pleased with it. My only trepidation is that the material may not be interesting. I have tried to present what I think and remember as simply and honestly as I could. But is it exciting enough for publication? Maybe there are some people left who do not need to be titillated with every page they read, but will respond to history presented with a personal slant."

Haley’s modest journal entry need not have worried the Tin Man as his writings are well worth reading. They provide an informative and entertaining look at life during the 1900s in general and Jack Haley and the entertainment industry in particular. Haley’s writings are often humourous, thought provoking and wise. More than 70 photographs complement Haley’s book. Heart of the Tin Man is a wonderful read.

On June 6, 1979 Jack Haley died. In August 2000 a first printing of 5,000 copies (a collector’s limited edition) of Heart of the Tin Man was published by tinmanonline.com.  www.tinmanonline.com is the official web site of Jack Haley and it is where you go to get a copy of Heart of the Tin Man.
 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Centennial Celebration The Children’s Museum of Los Angeles 2000, 4 CD set  This audio dramatization of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will provide children of all ages with hours entertainment. Impressive sound effects and an all-star cast encourage those listening to this book to use their imaginations to enjoy Baum’s story. The cast in this centennial tribute includes: Harry Anderson as The Wizard, Phyllis Diller as The Wicked Witch, John Goodman as The Guardian of the Gates and Robert Guillaume as The Cowardly Lion. This 4 CD set will provide hours of listening pleasure.

The Story & Songs of The Wizard of Oz
UPC 081227551629

The Wizard of Oz is an incredible movie. And as much as I enjoy watching this classic, it is also nice to sit back, close my eyes and listen to this wonderful story.

The Story & Songs of The Wizard of Oz is 78 minutes of the original motion picture soundtrack. Included on this CD are 30 tracks – everything from Judy Garland singing “Over The Rainbow” to “There’s No Place Like Home.” Some scenes are missing – notably Dorothy and The Scarecrow’s encounter with the apple tree and the poppy field scene.

While I’ve seen the movie numerous times, the CD offered information that I was not aware of. For example, I didn’t know the “O Eee Ahhh, Eeeo, Ahh” segment was called the “March Of The Winkies.” And the song “We’re Off To See The Wizard” was performed by Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Buddy Ebsen (not Jack Haley) and Bert Lahr. Buddy Ebsen was going to be The Tin Woodman until he became very sick from the aluminum dust makeup he had to wear and Jack Haley was given the part.

Included with this CD is a pop-up picture of Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Woodman, The Cowardly Lion and Toto. Fans of this movie will not be disappointed with this “special edition” CD.

Song List:

1. Main Title/Prologue 2. Dorothy’s Dilemma 3. Over The Rainbow 4. Miss Gulch 5. “It’s A Twister, It’s A Twister!” 6. “Toto, I’ve A Feeling We’re Not In Kansas Anymore!” 7. Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are 8. Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead 9. The Lullaby League/The Lollipop Guild 10. Follow The Yellow Brick Road/You’re Off To See The Wizard 11. Dorothy Meets The Scarecrow 12. If I Only Had A Brain/We’re Off To See The Wizard 13. “Why It’s A Man, A Man Made Out Of Tin!” 14. If I Only Had A Heart/We’re Off To See The Wizard 15. “Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh, My!” 16. If I Only Had The Nerve/We’re Off To See The Wizard 17. Optimistic Voices 18. The Merry Old Land Of Oz 19. “Surrender Dorothy” 20. If I Were King Of The Forest 21. The Great And Powerful Oz 22. The Wicked Witch Takes Her Prisoner 23. March Of The Winkies (O Eee Ahhh, Eeeo, Ahh) 24. Escape From The Witch 25. “I’m Melting” 26. Oz UnMasked 27. Dorothy And The Wizard 28. The Return Of Glinda 29. “There’s No Place Like Home” 30. End Title
 

Fun With Wizard of Oz Stencils By Paul E. Kennedy ISBN: 0486402428 This fun activity book published by Dover Publications contains attractive stencils of Dorothy and Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, the Wicked Witch of the West and the Wizard of Oz. The pre-cut stencils are durable and will provide hours of entertainment for Oz fans of all ages.

 

Wizard of Oz: Cards in Full Color Illustrations by W.W. Denslow  Color adaptations by Ted Menten ISBN: 0486250334 Contained in this book are 24 beautiful, colour postcards adapted by Ted Menten from W.W. Denslow’s illustrations from L. Frank Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz published in 1900. Each of the detachable postcards measures approximately 4 inches by 6 inches. These postcards will be great for sending to family and friends!

 

Twelve Wizard of Oz Bookmarks By Pat Stewart ISBN: 0486405265 This “book” is composed of 12 quality bookmarks depicting scenes of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Encouraging children to read is very important and these colourful bookmarks provide delightful “placekeepers” for books. Twelve Wizard of Oz Bookmarks would make a nice gift by itself or the bookmarks could be given individually to complement books given as presents.

Little Wizard of Oz Activity Book By Pat Stewart ISBN: 0486407357 Young children can enjoy the puzzles contained in Little Wizard of Oz Activity Book and learn at the same time. Locating items in a picture, connecting the dots, reading the instructions below each puzzle, matching items, along with various other activities will help develop a child’s reading, math and observational skills. They will also enjoy colouring many of the pictures and learning about The Wizard of Oz in this entertaining and inexpensive activity book. Cut & Assemble The Wizard of Oz Toy Theater By Dick Martin ISBN:  0486247996 Children who like The Wizard of Oz will likely enjoy putting on their own production of this story. Dick Martin’s Cut & Assemble The Wizard of Oz Toy Theater contains assembly directions, models of Dorothy, Toto, The Wizard of Oz, The Cowardly Lion, The Tin Woodman, THe Scarecrow, The Wicked Witch, Glinda, the Munchkins along with several others. The scenery includes Munchkinland, the Mysterious Forest, the Emerald City and the Witch’s Castle. A synopsis and stage directions are also included. Martin’s Cut & Assemble The Wizard of Oz Toy Theater will provide hours of fun for children whose imaginations take them “over the rainbow” to produce this classic story!