MovieChat Forums > The Wizard of Oz (1939) Discussion > Frank Morgan

Frank Morgan

posted 4 years ago by Popcorngal (4345)
6 replies | jump to latest

I did not know he had 4 roles in the movie.

[–] [email protected] (5497) 4 years ago

I didn't know that either until I was grown up. I saw this movie every year during my childhood and never noticed. How embarrassing!

[–] cinemacynic (45) 4 years ago

I just realized two things:

1) The Wizard of Oz has a LOT of double-casting in it. I.E same actors playing different characters in the same film. In Frank Morgan's case, that number is doubled.

2) You don't see double-casting in a lot of movies nowadays so this must be a thing of the past. I wonder why they did it. Was it cheaper to have the same actor play multiple roles or more efficient? I wonder.

[–] PaladinNJ (20310) 4 years ago

Cheaper. The actors were contracted to a salary. Since he was on the set anyway might as use him between his scenes.

[–] Costumer (1785) 4 years ago

It was very intentional. Since it is a dream in this version of the story Dorothy was seeing the people in her waking life as the characters in Oz.

[–] sslssg (27640) 4 years ago

I thought he had 5.
1. Professor
2. Wizard of Oz
3. Gate Keeper
4. Guard
5. Driving the carriage

[–] Popcorngal (4345) 4 years ago

Wow he was busy on that movie.