‘Cursed Films II’ Recap: ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Cursed Films’.

It is definitely safe to say, that the documentary is a type of film… that can carry with it great bias. After all, it is more often than not… a passion project for the writer and director. One that gives their thoughts and their thoughts alone a voice and that leads to the bias in question and that can be a bit of a detriment to said documentary. Since going that route doesn’t always offer an audience the complete picture on the subject and that is why it is always refreshing… to find a truly neutral one. One that is grounded in classic journalism where ideas are presented without opinion and bias and one such documentary that accomplishes this particular feat is Shudder’s Cursed Films.
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For season one of this documentary series presented the strange stories surrounding some supremely famous horror films in an objective and thoughtful and downright respectable light. Which allowed for the dark stories about these troubled films to be presented in a manner free from conspiracy or conjecture, allowing for the viewer to simply learn and ponder and make their own conclusions about how such strange moments came to pass. And the good news, is that this series is back for another season of exploration regarding films that seem to have curses surrounding them and the first thing you’ll notice about Cursed Films II, is the sheer fact that the respect present in season one is still there and that’s important to note, because the movie that served as its subject for the season two premiere, required that in order to properly reflect upon its wild stories. For the family favorite, The Wizard of Oz, is the story that writer/director Jay Cheel opted to explore here in an objective manner, and that is the right approach for certain. Because to do otherwise would insult legions of fans of a beloved motion picture.

But this is a movie that demands attention and exploration regarding its construction. For this wonderful film about a faraway journey over the rainbow was indeed mired in dark moments that are explored here in great detail. Such as how, Margaret Hamilton received some seriously troubling burns while shooting some of her scenes. Not to mention the poor treatment Judy Garland received from the studio in order to maintain her child-like appearance physically, over the course of shooting and we'd be foolish to not discuss, how there’s always been the long-standing rumor that an unnamed actor playing one of the iconic Munchkins, took the time to hang himself while the cameras were rolling. Which brought forth an ongoing search for highly sought-after original prints that could prove such matters and well… those kinds of problems really do feel akin to a cursed production and the investigation into those stories and others… makes for another powerful story.

One that makes it clear that obviously, there’s no real curse that surrounded this motion picture in the slightest… just a hard and painful push to produce one of the most memorable family films ever made and that in doing so… darkness may have taken over the stage. Since intense drive and demand can bring out the worst in us and motivate us to make poor decisions. Such as the ones the studio made with Judy, and this documentary also subtly explores how sometimes… our obsession with the belief that nothing can ever be pure in life, drives us to see if by chance we can find darkness in places where there might be none, allowing for this story to leave the viewer with plenty to ponder upon regarding this film. But what’s wild… is that this recap is merely scratching the surface of what this episode has to offer.

Since it also features some grand discussions on rumors that surrounded the actors that played the Munchkins for decades on end and how those rumors were so powerful that even a movie was made about it. Plus, it is full of powerful and moving stories about the actors and how those tough moments impacted them and their children and well, this is an amazing way to open up the second season of this sensational series. Since it informs us that the notion of the cursed film, extends beyond the horror genre, while also teaching us to always ponder upon the nature of a rumor over its weight and truly… it will be interesting to see what other fascinating troubled productions this series is going to explore in an objective and honest light, as season two continues along. Until next time.

The season premiere of ‘Cursed Films II’ is available to stream on Shudder right now. To learn more about its genesis and how each episode is assembled, check out our interview with the show’s Writer/Director, Jay Cheel.

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