Throughout 1939, Hollywood had a very productive year, releasing many quality films. In August 1939, MGM Studios released The Wizard of Oz, directed by Victor Fleming. The film is based on a book written by L. Frank Baum in 1900. (Magill 82) Baum's charming story was an instant hit in the United States, so many agree that it was worth the watch to turn this widely reported story into a film. Although The Wizard of Oz is a fun film that has been enjoyed over the years by Americans of all ages, the film offers a deeper message and several historical connections to suggest an anti-war point of view, while giving Americans a sense of hope through one of the most difficult years in history, the 1930s. Released on August 25, 1939, the film tells the story of an American teenager from Kansas, named Dorothy. She and her dog, Toto, are caught in a tornado in Kansas and find themselves in the fictional land of Oz, populated by unknown beings, some good and some evil. In this fantasy land, Dorothy meets a number of people and becomes friends with many of them, such as the Scarecrow, the Woodcutter, and the Lion. The film depicts their journey to the Emerald City in search of the Wizard of Oz, who they hope can grant them what they wish for. At the end of the story, the four adventurers discover that the so-called wizard is nothing but a fraud and a joke. However, "Oz" quickly apologizes and finds ways to help them, offering them hope and encouragement. Finally, the magic happens in the last scene, as we see Dorothy tap her ruby ​​red slippers three times and say "There's no place like home." After a long journey fraught with trials, such as defeating the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy...... middle of paper...... a way out of difficult times. Overall, the film helped reinforce the anti-war philosophy while providing an optimistic view of America's future. Works Cited Bellman, Samuel Irving. “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Overview.” DiscoveringAuthors 2003: n.pag. Gale Student Resources in Context. Internet. April 13, 2011.Magill, American Film Guide by Frank N. Magill. Englewood Cliffs: Salem Press Inc, 1983. Print. Myers, Kim. "MGM'S THE WIZARD OF OZ: Political satire of FDR and his "NewDeal". Web. April 23, 2011. "The Great Depression and the New Deal." Hist 1302 online. Web. April 23, 2011. Thomson, David. Biographical Dictionary of Film New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1976. Print Verdon, Michael. Magill Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature: n.pag Magill on Literature Web April 28.. 2011.