The Dark Truth Behind the Cowardly Lion Costume

The Legacy of The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz stands as a hallmark in the annals of cinema, which is further proven by the auction of the Cowardly Lion outfit. The 1939 movie is renowned for its groundbreaking use of Technicolor, fantasy storytelling, and memorable music. As Wizard of Oz main character Dorothy, alongside the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and her beloved dog Toto, embark on their journey through the magical Land of Oz, they meet Bert Lahr's the Cowardly Lion, portrayed with endearing vulnerability. His character, a lion in search of courage, resonates deeply with audiences, symbolizing the universal quest for self-confidence and bravery.

Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion look towards to Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz

The legacy of The Wizard of Oz extends far beyond its cinematic achievements, deeply influencing pop culture and the world of film memorabilia. Among the film's artifacts, the Cowardly Lion costume holds a special place, representing not just a piece of movie history but an emblem of an era. The significance of this costume is monumental, embodying the Golden Age of Hollywood and the timeless appeal of the film. As a result, it has become a highly sought-after collector's item, fetching millions at auction and serving as a testament to the enduring magic and influence of The Wizard of Oz.

The Cowardly Lion wearing a crown in The Wizard of Oz

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The Wizard Of Oz Cowardly Lion Sold For Over $3 Million At Auction

On November 24, 2014, the TCM Presents... There's No Place Like Hollywood auction took place in New York. Among the items up for bid was the Cowardly Lion costume from The Wizard of Oz, which fetched an astonishing $3,077,000 (via Bonhams). This remarkable price reflects the costume's cultural and historical value.

Discovered in one of the oldest buildings on the MGM lot, this piece of Hollywood history was acquired by The Comisar Collection, renowned curators of Hollywood ephemera. The costume's high auction price signifies not just the monetary value of film memorabilia but also the emotional connection fans and collectors have with cinematic history. It's a testament to the timeless appeal of The Wizard of Oz and its likable characters.

The Cowardly Lion Costume Contained Real Lion Fur (& That's Not The Only Dark BTS Wizard Of Oz Fact)

A startling revelation was made about the Cowardly Lion costume by Redditors thanks to the auction: the costume was 'constructed of lion skin and fur'. Redditors were left in disbelief, with mdhunter99 noting, 'That..is..disgusting..' However. the Cowardly Lion costume is just one of many troubling aspects of The Wizard of Oz production. Another infamous example is the Tin Man's costume. Actor Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man, was exposed to toxic aluminum dust from the silver paint used for his costume (via Time). This hazardous material caused severe eye infections and respiratory issues, a stark illustration of the dangerous and unregulated working conditions in early Hollywood.

Moreover, Judy Garland endured significant mistreatment during the filming (via Biography). The 13-year-old Garland was subjected to extreme measures to maintain her youthful appearance and slim figure. She was allegedly forced to smoke up to 80 cigarettes a day and took medication to suppress her appetite. Between animal cruelty, unsafe conditions for actors, and child abuse, these distressing stories from the set of The Wizard of Oz highlight the dark side of Hollywood's Golden Age, where the glamour of the silver screen often came at a high personal cost to those involved.