In our modern era, it’s widely acknowledged that assaults and harassment are far from the norm. Today, people boldly raise their voices against such wrongs, a stark departure from earlier times when silence was the unfortunate response.
A compelling illustration of this shift can be found in the life of the late Judy Garland. She once faced a distressing situation that deeply impacted her mental well-being, yet back then, speaking out was often not a viable choice. Behind the scenes, director Victor Fleming employed a disconcerting method to suppress Judy Garland’s laughter, a troubling event that took a toll on her.
Victor Fleming’s Alarming Reaction to Judy Garland’s Giggles
Judy Garland‘s experience on the set of The Wizard of Oz was marked by both memorable moments and concerning incidents. As the fourth director overseeing the film, Victor Fleming had a controversial approach to maintaining the seriousness of a scene.
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In a particular scene where Dorothy playfully slaps the fearful lion, played by Bert Lahr, Garland’s inability to stifle her laughter became a challenge. Despite numerous attempts, her fits of giggles persisted, testing the patience of the director. Seeking a drastic solution, Victor Fleming resorted to an alarming action that that constituted an act of aggression – he slapped Garland across the face. Post which he yelled:
“All right now, go back to your dressing room.”
In today’s world, what took place would unquestionably be labeled as an assault and completely intolerable behavior on a movie set.
Garland’s lack of response to Fleming’s slap clearly highlighted how inappropriate the act was. It’s no surprise that she was genuinely shocked, and that uncomfortable atmosphere remained during filming. Yet, even with the forceful slap, Garland showed unmatched strength by effortlessly getting back to work without any interruption.
Haunted by Troubling Munchkin Behavior, Judy Garland’s Spirit Suffered
Judy Garland’s time on the Wizard of Oz set wasn’t at all magic. Troubling incidents, including inappropriate behavior from some male actors playing munchkins, cast a shadow on her experience. These distressing events crossed personal boundaries and left a lasting impact on her well-being.
Garland faced more than just sexual assault. Disturbing reports of being given drugs and forced into a harsh, limited “prisoner-style diet” during filming underscore the distressing conditions she endured. These troubling experiences likely contributed heavily to her later battles with substance abuse and alcoholism.
Sid Luft, her ex-husband, unveiled the gravity of Garland’s suffering. In a memoir released after her death, he exposed that male actors, portraying munchkins, subjected her to inappropriate advances, including groping. This heart-wrenching disclosure lays bare a profoundly disturbing dimension of the production, underscoring Garland’s vulnerability and the immense trials she endured while embodying Dorothy.
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Source: Legends Revealed
