Greetings all and happy Independence Day from the states! This month, we are focusing on two villains that come from our world but have been connected to Oz stories. These characters are not in any books, but solely created for the films. We will be discussing Ms. Almira Gulch from the '39 film, The Wizard of Oz, and Dr. J.B. Worley from the '85 film, Return to Oz. These two characters were as vile as they come with Ms. Gulch being the epitome of a privileged white woman, who used her family connections to terrorize, and Dr. Worley, who used science as a smoke screen for experimenting on children. So, we will discuss each character, their origin (if any is known), their appearance in media adaptations and how you can experience these villains in your neck of the wood. Let's begin with the villain that appeared first, Miss Almira Gulch. This character is introduced in the '39 film and is a movie-only character. She is prominent citizen of an unnamed county in Kansas, has known Aunt Em for over 23 years, and has had trouble with Toto for a while now. Additionally, Em reveals that Almire owns half the county that they live in, which means she is half-owner. Her reign of villainy is constrained to this brief interaction as she e desires to have Toto destroyed. But why? Furthermore, when she arrives at the Gale farm, Almira gives them an order from the Sheriff to collect the dog. What a shame! Now, let's explore why Almira tried to hurt the dog as I don't believe for a second that someone would do this unprovoked. Apparently, the reason she is upset is because the dog frequently gets onto her property and chases her cat around. Then, out of sheer frustration, Miss Gulch tried to hit Toto with a rake this time. Once she arrives at the Gale farm, Almira tells them that the dog bit her. Is that a lie or did that really happen? Now, we don't actually know what happened and how this actually went down as it happened before the story opens; but it is wild that this woman feels the dire need "to destroy" the dog instead of maybe getting a restraining order against him. Additionally, if she didn't get the dog, she was going to pursue a "damage suit" against the Gales. Oh dang! She is wicked! But I want to know what you think about who is right. Comment below. Next up, Dr. J. B. Worley from Disney's Return to Oz (1985). Another movie-only character, he is introduced initally in a newspaper advertisement that helped people with "electric healing" (Vinge, 5). His office, where this process takes place, is located in a town called Cottonwood Falls. He has various people employed at this establishment including Nurse Wilson and various attendants. His clinical attitude makes him incredibly unrelatable and viciously uncomfortable, especially with his desire to use electricity to "heal" people. Ugh! So despicable! There is nothing describing his origin story or any other defining elements about how he is the way he is except the interaction between him, Dorothy, and Aunt Em. The scene where she is about to have the procedure done can be seen above and it will give you an idea about how haunting this doctor and his office is. Of course, since these are only movie characters, the adaptations that you can see them in are their respective movies. However, Ms. Gulch does make an appearance in Tom & Jerry & The Wizard of Oz, an animated feature that was shown earlier. Be sure to check it out in its entirety along with the other ones, even if you have seen them. There is always something new to see. Of course, when it comes to books, you can always check out these comic book adaptations of the movies, which feature both Dr. Worley (in the Return to Oz comic) and Ms. Gulch (in the Marvel MGM comic). Return to Oz also published a novelization of the film, which features more information about Dr. Worley's interactions with Dorothy and a script was published of the MGM film, which features a closer look at the words said in the film. They are all very fascinating additions to your Ozzy collections. In addition to watching the movies and checking out the books, another way you can bring these heinous villains to your neck of the wood is buying various memorabilia that is contantly being released. Check out this colorized version of Ms. Gulch with Toto in basket ornament or the Return to Oz soundtrack with the instrumental song, "The Ride to Dr. Worley's". So, however you wish to experience these villains is entirely up to you; and until next time, we'll be seeing you somewhere in the Oz-verse.
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May 2024
AuthorMy name is Vinkus Ken and I have been a long time fan of many things in Oz and how their world truly does emulate much of ours. Did you know that they have a flag of their own? Or did you know that they have a law about only having 9 jurors in their courts? Also, Oz has a court system! I like to introduce facts that seem meaningless and bring meaning to them by comparing them to our world. So, come along on this journey and enjoy the ride. |