The role of Dorothy was given to Judy Garland on February
24, 1938. After the casting of her role, a few executives
at MGM contemplated replacing her with Shirley Temple,
but were not able to get Fox to comply with the "loan"
of the young actress. Other MGM officials vetoed the idea
of using Temple. Originally, Gale Sondergaard was cast
as the Witch. She became unhappy with the role when the
Witch's persona shifted from a sly glamorous witch into
the familiar ugly hag. She turned down the role, and was
replaced on October 10, 1938 with Margaret Hamilton. On
July 25, 1938, Bert Lahr was signed and cast as the Cowardly
Lion. Frank Morgan was cast as the Wizard on September
22, 1938. On August 12, 1938, Charlie Grapewin was cast
as Uncle Henry.
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