Frank Morgan, Oz's Wonderful Wizard Quiz

Answer: True

Morgan was credited in his early films as Frank Wupperman.

Answer: New York City, New York

He was born in New York City, NY on June 1, 1890.

Answer: He was one of 11 children born to wealthy parents.

Morgan was one of 11 children born into a wealthy family in New York City that distributed Argostura Bitters. His older brother, Ralph Morgan, was also a character actor; but never enjoyed the great success his brother Frank attained. In 1914, Frank Morgan made his debut on the Broadway stage.

He made his first silent film in 1916. From then until his death in 1949, Morgan was one of the busiest character actors in Hollywood, and one of the few offered a lifetime contract by MGM.

Answer: The Suspects

Bolger's film debut was in MGM's 1936 film "The Great Ziegfield" (based on the life of Billie Burke's husband Florenz Ziegfield, Jr.). It featured Ray Bolger as himself and Frank Morgan as Jack Billings. "Sweethearts" (1938) was a Jeanette McDonald, Nelson Eddy film that also starred Bolger as Hans the dancer and Morgan as Felix Lehman. MGM's 1939 classic film "The Wizard Of Oz" is the film that both men are most famous for. Bolger played the Scarecrow and Hunk the farmhand, and Morgan played five roles--three bit parts (Emerald City gatekeeper, a guard, and the carriage driver) as well as Prof. Marvel and the Wizard. "Suspects" was a silent film made in 1916 with Morgan billed as Frank Wupperman.

Answer: L. Frank Baum

One verison of the coat story is that Morgan and Fleming were looking at some old coats purchased by wardrobe from a second-hand store not far from the studio. One old frock coat seemed just right for the character of Professor Marvel. Later, the coat was traced to a tailor in Chicago and discovered to have been L. Frank Baum's.

Another is that Morgan was browsing second-hand shops when he came across the coat which was perfect for Professor Marvel. Inside the pocket were the words "L. Frank Baum".

It is a wonderful story, and what does it hurt if people wish to believe it? It just adds a little more magic to the most magical of films. Besides, it just could be true.

Answer: Billie Burke

Billie Burke was 54, Morgan was 49, Lahr was in his early 40's, and Margaret Hamilton was the youngest, in her 30's, when the movie was filmed. For some reason, I always thought Hamilton was the oldest. I think it was being so intimidated at the sight of her as the Wicked Witch and Miss Gulch characters as a young child. I watched the film the other day, and I could see how young she really was. Billie Burke still looked lovely. Like Burke said, "Age doesn't matter-unless you are a cheese".

Answer: Morgan

Frank Morgan died September 18, 1949 in Los Angeles, California. He was just about to start filming on "Annie Get Your Gun" playing the role of Buffalo Bill. Bert Lahr died on December 4, 1967. Judy Garland died on June 22, 1969. Billie Burke died on May 14, 1970.

Answer: False

Morgan was twice nominated, but never won an Oscar. His first nomination was for playing the Duke of Florence in the 1934 film "The Affairs Of Celini". His second was for the role of Pirate in 1941's "Tortilla Flat" which was directed by Victor Fleming.

Answer: Scarecrow

My favorite part of the film is when the Scarecrow gets his wish. The Wizard says to Scarecrow, "Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of great learning---where men go to become great thinkers, and when they come out, they think deep thoughts--and with no more brains than you have--BUT they have one thing you haven't got! A diploma! Therefore-by virture of the authority vested in me by the Universitatus Committeeatum e pluribus unum, I hereby confer upon you the honorary degree of Th.D...that's Doctor of Thinkology." Next, the Wizard gives the Lion a medal, the Triple Cross for bravery. Last, but not least, Tin Man is given a testimonial (a huge heart-shaped watch) and he reminds Tin Man "that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others." Not even a fanatic "Oz" fan such as myself can quote the dialogue by heart.

This dialogue comes from "The Wizard Of Oz The Screenplay", by Langley, Ryerson, and Woolf" that was published in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the film.

Answer: False

Hard to believe that Morgan had to beg to be allowed to read for "Oz", isn't it? Ed Wynn (remember him from "Mary Poppins" and "Babes In Toyland") was first offered the role because Mervyn LeRoy felt Wynn's bumbling comedy style made him perfect for the Wizard and Marvel.

When Wynn turned "Oz" down, W. C. Fields was approached by MGM to do the film. There are different verisons of why Fields and the studio could not agree on terms. One is that it was a salary dispute - MGM offering $75,000 and Field wanting $100,000.

Another is that Fields was too busy. I can not imagine anyone else but Morgan in the film. By the late 1930's, when "Oz" was being cast, there was no other actor that played the part of blustery, flustered middle-age men quite like Frank Morgan. Morgan was also a fine dramatic actor.

He was one of the busiest and best character actors of his day. His career never flagged from his early days on Broadway in 1914 until his death in 1949. Thank you for taking my quiz on Frank Morgan, the man who was Oz's wonderful wizard.