>From the beginning, “The Wizard of Oz” was plagued by serious accidents.
>Most famously, Buddy Ebsen, the actor originally cast as the Tin Man, nearly died when aluminum dust from the silver makeup coated his lungs, making it impossible to breathe. He spent two weeks recovering in an oxygen tent, during which time the part was quietly recast with Jack Haley (although Ebsen’s singing voice can still be heard in the final film).
>Another serious injury occurred while filming the Wicked Witch’s flashy exit from Munchkinland. After delivering the line, “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too,” the actress was supposed to disappear through a trap door in a burst of flames. On the second take, Hamilton’s copper-based makeup caught fire along with her broom and hat. She suffered second-degree burns and spent six weeks recovering before returning to finish production.
Hamilton never trusted the stupid ass holes claiming she didn't trust the broom. And what do you know...
>After that, Hamilton’s stunt double, Betty Danko, was also hospitalized when the smoking pipe she was sitting on for one sequence exploded, causing permanent scarring to her legs.
>And on another occasion, several actors portraying the flying monkeys were injured when the piano wires suspending them snapped.
>Even Toto didn’t escape unscathed. In a scene at the witch’s castle, one of the guards stepped on and broke Toto’s paw.
And that's just the injuries. Multiple directors, writers, and resorts caused problems almost from day one. The cowardly lion suit was so hot it would be drenched in sweat. The midget lollipop guild actors receiving very little compensation. And it's amazing it was finished.
deseretnews.com/article/865586647/The-Wizard-of-Oz-should-have-been-a-disaster.html