Fleming’s 1939 American film The Wizard of Oz is an early pioneer of the use of innovative techniques in camera work, music, visual and special effects in modern day movie production.  The musical-fantasy classic has also become a firm favorite among the American public and coupled with its influence in the film industry, it should be regarded as the most significant American film of all time.

 

The musical piece Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz soundtrack has been a family favorite ever since its introduction to the American public in 1939. On Tuesday June 23, 2004, the American Film Institute recognized Judy Garland’s timeless rendition of the tune as the #1 song in American cinema. Approximately 1500 actors, writers, critics, filmmakers and other Hollywood notables took part in the voting process. In winning the prestigious award Over the Rainbow topped other notable film songs such as As Time Goes By (#2) from Curtiz’s 1942 classic movie Casablanca and Singing in the Rain (#3). Over the Rainbow has also won other notable awards such as being voted the #1 song of the century by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America. These and numerous other achievements provide support for the premise that The Wizard of Oz is the most significant production in American film history.

 

MSNBC. "'Over the Rainbow' named top movie song." MSNBC Website. 1 Dec. 2008 .

Flemings 1939 American film The Wizard of Oz is an early pioneer of the use of innovative techniques in camera work, music, visual and special effects in modern day movie production. The musical-fantasy classic has also become a firm favorite among the American public and coupled with its influence in the film industry, it should be regarded as the most significant American film of all time.