The Dreamer of Oz (1990)

Just perfect...

Fantastic!

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This sentimentalized biography of Oz creator L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) stars John Ritter in the title role. Richard Matheson's teleplay accurately depicts Baum as a business failure with the singular gift of being able to communicate with children. In keeping with Matheson's grounding in fantasy and the supernatural, Baum's characters occasionally come to life to palaver with the author and bring him inspiration. Annette O'Toole co-stars as Mrs. Baum, while Charles Haid is seen in the dual role of "Badham" and the Cowardly Lion. Also on hand as a Munchkin is Jerry Maren, who played one of the Lollipop Guild in the 1939 Hollywood adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Made for television, Dreamer of Oz: The L. Frank Baum Story debuted December 10, 1990.If interested in a DVD copy of this film email sojourn (at) frodelius (dot) com

I know I enjoyed it too. I was watching the Wizard of OZ on TV and then I remember watching the made for TV movie on the life of L.Frank Baum on TV with the late John Ritter as Baum. I enjoyed it because it told of the real Dorthy, his neice I believe, he wrote it about and for, since Baum himself did not have any daughters. I think it was on ABC when it was originally broadcast so they might be the best bet if you want a video copy of it.

I haven't seen this in 10 years, but I remember it quite fondly. The sequences where he is visualizing the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, etc are realized very well, with depth and feeling. And Baum's hard luck life was finally turned to gold after they found a publisher(after 23 attempts...)-his true life story was quite involving itself.Strange, I remember quite clearly seeing Avery Schreiber play the artist who illustrates Baum's books and helps bring them to life-but failed to see him mentioned in the credits. Was he unbilled or was I wrong? Oh well. No biggie.Very good show-*** outta ****

If you've ever wondered why was Wizard of Oz written, you have to see this movie. It's a little sentimental, but it is inspiring. I'd often wondered why he named the little girl Dorothy--and here the sad story is revealed. The part where author goes to the publisher hoping he can get a little money for Christmas is worth watching for alone.