From Page to Screen: The Evolution of the Original Wicked Witch of the West

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The original wicked witch of the west is a character that originated in L. Frank Baum's famous novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." This character, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West, has become a prominent figure in popular culture, with various adaptations and reinterpretations in books, films, and plays. In Baum's novel, the wicked witch is described as a powerful and malevolent sorceress who rules over the Winkie Country in the Land of Oz. She is portrayed as being green-skinned, with a hooked nose and long, black hair. She has a fierce and intimidating presence, and she uses her magical powers to terrorize the inhabitants of Oz and seek revenge against Dorothy and her companions.


She went to New York in 1922 to teach day school, but became enamored with the theater. She quit teaching, returned to Cleveland, and worked at the CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE from 1927-30, meeting and marrying landscape architect Paul Meserve on 13 June 1931. After the Play House, Hamilton did summer work in Massachusetts.

HAMILTON, MARGARET 1902-15 May 1985 , a Cleveland actress best remembered as the Wicked Witch of the West in the film classic The Wizard of Oz , graduated from HATHAWAY BROWN in 1921. In a filmed 1975 interview with presenter Fred Rogers, actress Margaret Hamilton, who brought the wickedness of the character to life, spoke about how she always wanted to be a witch as a little girl.

Original wixked witch of the wesy

She has a fierce and intimidating presence, and she uses her magical powers to terrorize the inhabitants of Oz and seek revenge against Dorothy and her companions. One of the defining features of the wicked witch is her iconic flying broomstick. This broomstick allows her to travel quickly and effortlessly through the air, adding to her mystique and fear factor.

HAMILTON, MARGARET

HAMILTON, MARGARET (1902-15 May 1985), a Cleveland actress best remembered as the "Wicked Witch of the West" in the film classic The Wizard of Oz, graduated from HATHAWAY BROWN in 1921. Daughter of Walter J. and Jennie (Adams) Hamilton, her family wanted her to become a teacher, so she went to Wheelock Kindergarten Training School in Boston, where she acted in a production of Little Women. Returning to Cleveland, Hamilton taught at Hough Elementary School, then operated her own nursery for the Cleveland Hts. Presbyterian Church.

She went to New York in 1922 to teach day school, but became enamored with the theater. She quit teaching, returned to Cleveland, and worked at the CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE from 1927-30, meeting and marrying landscape architect Paul Meserve on 13 June 1931. After the Play House, Hamilton did summer work in Massachusetts.

Cleveland Memory

A young Margaret Hamilton, most well known for her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz

Arthur Beckworth "discovered" Hamilton in a play entitled The Hallems. The Broadway version, called Another Language, was the surprise hit of 1932 and was made into a film with Hamilton and Helen Hayes, launching Hamilton's Hollywood career. Because of her distinctive profile, however, her roles were never very diverse; she usually played aunts and spinsters. Her role as the wicked witch came in 1939 and further typecast Hamilton. She continued making films and doing plays, appearing in more than 75 of each. She also did guest roles on television and made commercials.

In her later years, Hamilton appeared several times at the Play House. She continued to teach Sunday school and volunteer in various causes.

Hamilton divorced her husband in 1938; they had a son, Hamilton Wadsworth Meserve. She died in Salisbury, Connecticut, and her ashes were scattered in Amenia, New York.

Original wixked witch of the wesy

Additionally, she is known for her ability to throw fireballs and create deadly storms, which she uses to try and destroy Dorothy and her friends. However, as the story unfolds, it is revealed that the wicked witch is not truly wicked at heart. She has been misunderstood and mistreated by others, which has fueled her desire for power and revenge. She is driven by her own personal grievances and inner turmoil, making her a complex and multi-dimensional character. Over the years, the wicked witch has been portrayed in several different ways in adaptations of "The Wizard of Oz." From the classic 1939 film starring Margaret Hamilton to the more recent prequel "Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz," the character has been reimagined and given new depth. These adaptations explore the motivations and backstory of the wicked witch, humanizing her and challenging the idea of her being purely evil. In conclusion, the original wicked witch of the west is a fascinating and iconic character in literature and popular culture. Through her powerful presence, magical abilities, and complex motivations, she has captivated audiences for generations. Her legacy as a beloved villain continues to endure, making her an integral part of the timeless story of "The Wizard of Oz.".

Reviews for "The Role of the Original Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz"

1. Jake - 2/5 stars
I was really disappointed with "Original Wicked Witch of the West." The storyline felt forced and the characters lacked depth. I was expecting a captivating and thrilling tale about the iconic villain, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was off, and the writing style didn't engage me at all. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 3/5 stars
While "Original Wicked Witch of the West" had its moments, it wasn't as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. The concept was interesting, exploring the backstory of such a renowned character, but the execution was lacking. The plot felt disjointed at times, and I struggled to connect with the protagonist. There were some redeeming factors, like the descriptive imagery, but overall, it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Olivia - 2/5 stars
I found "Original Wicked Witch of the West" to be quite underwhelming. The characterization felt cliché and predictable, and the dialogue was stilted. The pacing was sluggish, and there were several parts where the story dragged on, making it difficult to maintain interest. I was hoping for more depth and originality, but unfortunately, it fell short. I wouldn't recommend it for those seeking an engaging read.

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