America has had an enduring love affair with the children’s story, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” written by L. Frank Baum in 1900. The novel was later turned into the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939. Today, the highly anticipated updated version of the classic is “Oz the Great and Powerful” re-adapted for the silver screen by Disney.
Oz Great and Powerful. Photo courtesy of Disney.
I have a very special connection with all things Oz because of a little known fact that will forever link the city I’ve lived in for 21 years to “The Wizard of Oz” himself. According to local history, L. Frank Baum wrote a large portion of the classic story right here in my hometown, Coronado, CA.
During his years in Coronado, Baum wrote at least three books in the Oz series: Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz (1908); The Road to Oz (1909); and, The Emerald City (1910).
If you visit the Hotel Del, you’ll find many references to the story because the author spent a great deal of time writing at the majestic hotel. He also stayed at a cottage nearby where he spent summers and other holidays writing here.
The yellow house located at Star Park is affectionatelly called by locals the Oz House.
Coronado House Historical Landmark where L. Frank Baum wrote Oz Books.
Inside the Hotel Del’s Crown room you’ll find a plaque and the original king crown-shapped chandeliers L. Frank Baum designed for the historical landmark.
The crown motif is the symbol representing our city’s name — Coronado means crowned in Spanish.
But believe me when I tell you that the new film, “Oz the Great and Powerful” is nothing like the one featuring Toto and Dorothy. Nope. Not. At. All.
Here. See for your self. The clips below (courtesy of Disney) give you a ride through Oz via Bubbles, and show you where the Yellow Brick road will take you in this new film starring James Franco, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams.
I will be attending a special screening of this upcoming film on 3/04/13, and can’t wait to give you my review!
I’m sure there won’t be any references to my hometown anywhere in this new film, but I’m sure it will hit close to home nonetheless.
“Oz the Great and Powerful” opens in theaters March 8.
Rated PG
Run time: 130 minutes
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