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The Wiz (1978) 5.2
An adaption of "The Wizard of Oz" that tries to capture the essence of the African American experience. Director:Sidney Lumet |
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Title: The Wiz (1978)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Diana Ross | ... | ||
| Michael Jackson | ... | ||
| Nipsey Russell | ... | ||
| Ted Ross | ... |
Lion /
Fleetwood Coupe de Ville
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| Mabel King | ... | ||
| Theresa Merritt | ... | ||
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Thelma Carpenter | ... | |
| Lena Horne | ... | ||
| Richard Pryor | ... | ||
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Stanley Greene | ... | |
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Clyde J. Barrett | ... |
Subway Peddler
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Derrick Bell | ... |
The Four Crows
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Roderick-Spencer Sibert | ... |
The Four Crows
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Kashka Banjoko | ... |
The Four Crows
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Ronald 'Smokey' Stevens | ... |
The Four Crows
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Dorothy, a twenty-four-year-old kindergarten teacher born, raised, and still working in Harlem, is celebrating Thanksgiving with her extended family, but she doesn't seem to be thankful for much in life. She lives a self-imposed sheltered life; she is shy and unfulfilled. Things change for her when she is caught in a snowstorm while chasing after her dog, Toto. They are transported to the mysterious Land of Oz, where she is informed that the only possible way to find her way back home is through the assistance of the powerful wizard in the Emerald City. As she goes searching for him, she befriends some creatures who are facing problems in life just like her. In their quest to find and get help from the wizard, they also face Evillene, the equally evil sister of Evermean, the wicked witch whom Dorothy inadvertently killed when she arrived in Oz, and who may be their biggest obstacle in achieving their goals. Written by Huggo
Taglines:
The Wiz! The Stars! The Music! Wow! See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
24 October 1978 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
El mago See more »Box Office
Budget:
$24,000,000 (estimated)Gross:
$13,000,000 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (uncut) | (cut)Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Written by Charlie Smalls
Performed by Michael Jackson (uncredited) and The Four Crows (uncredited)
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
According to her unauthorized biography, "Call Her Ms. Ross," Diana Ross was hospitalized and nearly blinded by a lighting effect used in the movie. See more »Goofs
During the dance scene after Evillene meets her demise, the sweat stains under Dorothy's arms appear and disappear. See more »Quotes
Cheetah, Head of the Flying Monkeys: [receiving orders from Evillene] White bread... or rye?See more »
Crazy Credits
Fitzstephens, Jack ... Music Editor & Guru See more »Soundtracks
You Can't Win, You Can't Break EvenWritten by Charlie Smalls
Performed by Michael Jackson (uncredited) and The Four Crows (uncredited)
See more »
...And favorites don't always have rhyme or reason. I can just say that this movie always struck a chord with me. I know that it is dark. I agree that Diana Ross's acting is overwrought with some unknown neurosis. But the music is soulful and the vocal performances make me cry every time. The urban setting (in contrast to the farm that never "clicked" with me) is almost comforting, though not in the parking garage. I agree with the more intellectual reviewers that Lumet's direction could have been better. I'm just a sucker for the gospel-style singing in "the feeling that we have", "believe", and "brand new day". I find this movie much more of an emotional release than the Wizard of Oz.