Discover the whimsical world of The Wizard of Oz (1925), a silent film twist on L. Frank Baum’s classic is packed with slapstick, adventure, and cinematic charm!
The hype around Wicked: Part 1 is at an all-time high, and I, for one, am counting down the seconds until I can experience the magic on the big screen (hopefully, by the time this post goes live, I’ll have already seen it). But while I eagerly await this next chapter in Oz’s legacy, I’ve been satisfying my Emerald City cravings by diving into past productions inspired by L. Frank Baum’s iconic work—including a little-known silent film version of The Wizard of Oz from 1925.
Let’s be honest—nothing compares to the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland. That movie didn’t just redefine cinema; it became a timeless cornerstone of popular culture. Its magic is eternal, setting the gold standard for everything Oz-related. But here’s the thing: while we revere the 1939 masterpiece, it’s worth celebrating what came after (*have you seen the Wicked sets? Stunning!) and what came before.
A silent film adaptation
Enter Larry Semon’s 1925 silent film, The Wizard of Oz. This fantasy adventure transforms Baum’s beloved story into a whimsical—and wildly different—interpretation, tailor-made for the silent film era. Directed by and starring Semon himself, the movie also features Dorothy Dawn as Dorothy. Fair warning: this isn’t the Oz you know and love. It’s a unique, slapstick-heavy version with a plot that veers far from the original book.
In Semon’s film, Dorothy grows up in Kansas, unaware that she’s the rightful princess of Oz. The plot involves a royal coup, a comedic love triangle, and plenty of over-the-top stunts. And while it might sound strange to our modern ears, the movie is pure silent-era charm. There’s humor, adventure, and a very different kind of magic that feels right at home in the 1920s.
For Oz enthusiasts, this is a must-watch. It’s fascinating to see how filmmakers of the time reimagined Baum’s story for audiences nearly a century ago. Sure, it’s no Judy Garland, but it’s a delightful piece of cinematic history—and a reminder of Oz’s enduring allure.
The best part? You don’t have to hunt for a vintage reel to enjoy it. The entire 1925 film is available to watch online. If you’re an Oz junkie, do yourself a favor and add this quirky adaptation to your viewing repertoire.
Watch the full movie below and step back into the roaring 1920s version of the Land of Oz!
