As “The Wizard of Oz” nears its 87th anniversary, the film maintains a powerful connection with audiences, thanks mainly to its profound themes of home and belonging. Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland, who famously portrayed Dorothy Gale in the iconic 1939 film, shared her insights on the film’s lasting appeal in a recent interview.
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Luft, now 73, spoke to PEOPLE about the emotional core of the movie, emphasising that it encapsulates fundamental aspects of life: “It’s about home. It’s about heart. It’s about courage, and it’s about knowledge. All of us in our lives feel that emotion at some point.” This resonance may explain why generations have continued to treasure the film, which was originally adapted from L. Frank Baum’s beloved children’s book.
Garland, whose birthday falls on June 10, was born in 1922 and passed away in 1969. Her legacy includes a body of work that continues to affect audiences deeply, with “The Wizard of Oz” as its cornerstone.
The film has experienced a revival through an immersive experience at Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in August. The venue employs cutting-edge technology to transport audiences into the magical world of Oz, allowing the timeless tale to be experienced in an entirely new way. Luft expressed her excitement about this contemporary interpretation, underscoring the film’s significant influence on pop culture.
In her discussion, Luft highlighted the film’s universal message of good versus evil, noting that these themes resonate on a personal level for many viewers. “The message of the movie is also good against evil, so I think we also go through that in our lives,” she remarked. She likened the impact of Baum’s book to that of modern series like “Harry Potter,” indicating that its popularity was unprecedented for its time.
The visual transformation from the sepia-tone of Kansas to the vibrant hues of Oz was groundbreaking when the film was released, creating a memorable experience for audiences. “It was such a huge thing,” Luft reflected. “They had never seen what we call sepia, but people call it black and white, into colour, and into those characters.”
However, Luft was careful to credit not only the film’s technological advancements but also the performances that gave life to the story. “It’s the acting ability of every single solitary performance of everyone in that film because you believe it,” she stated, listing the memorable characters portrayed by her mother and other cast members. From the lovable Scarecrow to the menacing Wicked Witch of the West, each role contributes to the film’s emotional impact.
Yet, production of the iconic film wasn’t without its challenges. Luft recalled the tumultuous process of realising the vision for “The Wizard of Oz,” which went through five directors before finding its perfect form. Despite these obstacles, the film emerged as a cinematic masterpiece that has touched countless hearts over the decades.
Fans have continued to share their personal connections to the film with Luft, emphasising its role in shaping their childhood memories. “I can’t tell you how many hundreds of thousands of people have told me about what it meant to their family,” she has remarked. The powerful emotions evoked by the film have allowed these stories to transcend generations, connecting older viewers with younger audiences.
As the film remains a staple of family entertainment, it continues to inspire new connections and shared experiences. “The Wizard of Oz was always so special,” Luft noted, reflecting on its timeless relevance.
For those wishing to experience this reimagined classic, tickets to “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere are available through to December 2026, offering an extraordinary opportunity to engage with a story that has become synonymous with hope, resilience, and the eternal quest for home.