The Dreamer Of Oz The L Frank Baum Story
When people think of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they often imagine a magical world filled with yellow brick roads, flying monkeys, and ruby slippers. But what many people don't know is that the man behind this classic American story, L. Frank Baum, was a dreamer and a struggling writer who faced many obstacles on his journey to creating one of the most beloved stories in American literature.
The Early Life Of L. Frank Baum
L. Frank Baum was born in Chittenango, New York in 1856. He was the seventh of nine children and grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the arts. His father was a successful oil businessman and his mother was a talented singer and pianist. Baum was heavily influenced by his mother's love of music and theater, and he often performed in plays and musicals as a child.
Despite his passion for the arts, Baum struggled in school and was often bullied by his classmates. He eventually dropped out of high school and went to work as a salesman and a newspaper reporter. He also wrote poetry and short stories in his free time, but he was never able to make a living as a writer.
Baum's Struggles As A Writer
Throughout his early adulthood, Baum faced many setbacks and disappointments as a writer. He wrote dozens of plays and books, but none of them were successful. He also struggled with financial problems and was forced to declare bankruptcy several times.
In 1900, Baum published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which would go on to become one of the most popular and enduring stories in American literature. The story was an instant success, and Baum went on to write 13 more Oz books over the next 20 years.
The Creation Of The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz
The idea for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz came to Baum while he was telling stories to his four sons. He began to imagine a magical world where anything was possible, and he started to create characters and plotlines that would eventually become the story of Dorothy and her journey through Oz.
Although the story was a work of fiction, Baum drew inspiration from his own life and experiences. For example, the character of the Scarecrow was based on Baum's own struggles with self-doubt and insecurities, while the character of the Wicked Witch of the West was inspired by the financial troubles that Baum and his family had faced.
The Legacy Of L. Frank Baum
L. Frank Baum died in 1919, but his legacy lives on through his books and the countless adaptations and spin-offs of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The story has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions, and it has become a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.
Despite the challenges and setbacks that Baum faced throughout his life, he never gave up on his dreams. His perseverance, creativity, and imagination helped him to create one of the most beloved stories in American literature, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring writers and dreamers around the world.
Conclusion
The Dreamer of Oz is a biographical film about L. Frank Baum that explores his life, his struggles, and his journey to creating one of the most beloved stories in American literature. Through his perseverance and imagination, Baum was able to create a world that continues to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages. His legacy serves as a reminder that with hard work, creativity, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible.