Oscars 2014 to Celebrate 75th Anniversary of Wizard of Oz

I don't know anyone who hasn't seen the classic 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz."  In fact, most people I know have special memories of waiting all year for the annual showing of the movie.

Places were marked in the living room by my siblings and me to ensure the best viewing point to the non 84-inch television we had then. Not too close, mind you,otherwise you became the human version of a remote control for our mother. But... close enough to see the heels clicked, baby munchkins popping up from floral blossoms and Auntie Em in the crystal ball crying out for dear Dorothy.

Munchies included Mom's extra chocolatey fudge made that evening ~ it doesn't get better than that. I had no idea until decades later she made it that evening so she didn't have to suffer through another showing of the movie she'd seen way too many times. We went to "Pop Towne" to select our flavors (root beer for me) and ice cream was purchased for ice cream sodas made by Dad ~ complete with cherries, whipped cream and nuts. It was the biggest night for us kids, as big as Christmas almost.

Mom would always know when I skidded into the kitchen to help what was really going on.

"Flying monkeys?" she would inquire.

Nodding my head yes ~ completely terrified ~ was all she needed, handing me a spoon to help stir the caramel into the popcorn, or brightly colored plastic margarine tubs turned into popcorn bowls to divvy up the goodies.

So this year is the 75th anniversary and now kids can see the film anytime on DVD, no more waiting anxiously throughout the year.

The Oscars are honoring the Best Picture nominee of 1939 at the March 2 televised live ABC program. “The Wizard of Oz” received six Oscar nominations, winning two: Original Score and Song, losing to "Gone with the Wind."

A special year, 1939 ~ the 12th Academy Awards show. Hattie McDaniels became the first African-American to win an Oscar, this was also the year of technicolor making a splash on the big screen creating two cinematography categories: Black & White which went to "Wuthering Heights," and Colorized, going to "Gone with the Wind," also, and the first year for the "Visual Effects" category, and the first hosting of the program by Bob Hope.

A difficult decision, considering this list of nominees for "Best Production," as it was called at the time: Gone With the Wind ~ Dark Victory ~ Goodbye, Mr. Chips ~ Love Affair ~ Mr. Smith Goes to Washington ~ Ninotchka ~ Of Mice and Men ~ Stagecoach ~ The Wizard of Oz ~ Wuthering Heights

Some major titles, yes?

Details of the celebration of Wizard of Oz is still a secret, but I will be watching as anxiously as I did for the film way back as a kid.

Image: Warner Brothers

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Heartland Film Festival 2011 Announces Winners

Heartland Film Festival 2011 celebrates its 20th anniversary with well known directors, such as Angelo Pizzo (Hoosiers, Rudy), Corbin Bernsen (Carpool Guy, Donna on Demand) and Emilio Estevez (The Way, Bobby) alongside high school first-timers. The Indianapolis-based festival, which runs through Saturday, Oct., 22, is designated as the "festival with heart" supporting films which touch viewers emotionally.

Martin Sheen, David Alexanian and Emilio Estevez of The Way

Cash prizes accompany the awards, including $100,000 grand prize for the Narrative Feature category, which tops the prize money given at Sundance, Tribeca and Toronto film festivals. Winners were announced Saturday, October 15, at the Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, Indianapolis.

2011 Winners

Award for High School Film Competition
($2,500) "Sacrifices of my Father" (Miguel Lopez)

Vision Award for Best Short Film

($10,000) "Thief" (Julian Higgins)

Award for Best Documentary Feature

($25,000) "Crime After Crime" (Yoav Potash)

Grand Prize for Narrative Feature

($100,000)-"Red Dog" (Nelson Woss)

Red Dog, an Australian film by Nelson Woss, is about a dog loved by all who loses its owner. The true tale  has touched the hearts of more than Aussies. It has crossed the pond and looks toward being release, possibly, in the U.S. It can be viewed at AMC Showcase 17 Wednesday, Oct., 19 and Saturday, Oct., 22; and at AMC Castleton Square Friday, Oct. 21.

Rohan Nichol and Nelson Woss of Red Dog

For a full time schedule and list of films of Heartland Film Festival 2011,
visit TrulyMovingPictures.org.

Photo Credit: Izzy Evans

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Indy 500 2011 Wrap Up Dan Wheldon Wins

Always the bridesmaid, J.R. Hildebrand almost had it all, only to smack the wall and lose a wheel. It didn't stop him from carrying 2nd place home, however, and let Dan Wheldon take home top prize, a gulp of milk and the wreath...oh and that big, fat check.


Hildebrand showed what a classy guy he is by thanking the service men and women for their service at the post-race press conference. 


Dan Wheldon, driving car No. 98, took the checkered flag after Hildebrand smacked the wall during the last lap of the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. upon entering the press conference, Wheldon jubilantly announced, "I told you Honda loved me," as a representative handed him a giant plate of food. Digging in to the food, Wheldon joked around easily with media and owners. 


Bottom Line: All in all, my first Indianapolis 500 was a success. I learned a few things like I need a better camera, water is a necessity and tennis shoes are the best footwear... 


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, on aroundindy.com, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.