Why Does WICKED Use Silver Shoes Instead of…

Dorothy’s ruby slippers remain cinema’s most iconic footwear. In the 1939 film, Judy Garland donned these glittering gems, which have since fetched astronomical auction prices. Yet, a curious detail persists: in the original novel, the slippers are silver, not red. So why the color swap?

The Birth of the Ruby Red

When MGM adapted L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, creative liberties abounded. Technicolor was a dazzling innovation. It was poised to revolutionize cinema with its vibrant hues. MGM wanted the shoes to pop, opting for ruby over silver. This eye-catching change became an instant hit. The studio secured a unique trademark, leaving silver shoes for others to portray.

In Baum’s books, shoes are merely functional, whereas in MGM’s world, they become legendary. The ruby slippers, first owned by the Wicked Witch of the East, shimmer with mystique and fantasy. They symbolize the magical journey Dorothy undertakes in her quest to return home.

Legal Locks in Oz

In Wicked, Universal Pictures steps into Oz, drawing nods to the original film but with changes. Legal constraints mean the ruby hue remains off-limits to them. However, other iconic elements sneak through the gates.

Universal keeps Elphaba green because green witches have crept into culture—thanks originally to MGM’s innovation. However, the shade can’t mimic exactly what’s seen in 1939, safeguarding MGM’s legendary palette.

More Than Just Shoes

Though silver shoes align with Baum’s text, MGM’s changes left their mark. The two Good Witches, another notable modification, merged for simplicity. In the novel, the North and South Good Witches greet Dorothy separately. MGM’s take melded them into Glinda—an act of creative condensation.

As Wicked nods to MGM’s legacy, it carves its path, selectively weaving images from 1939. The choices they can make are guided by artistic intent and legal necessity. They balance homage with imagination.

A Journey Far From Ending

While the ruby slippers are kept under lock and key by corporate hands, pop culture continues to weave Oz into new narratives. From Wicked to Once Upon a Time, green witches abound. This suggests the immense influence of the 1939 masterpiece. There remains hope, perhaps foolish or bold, that ruby slippers might twinkle in new shadows.

For now, however, these slippers’ magic is drawn from memories of a yellow brick road and a young girl’s dream. In cinema’s halls, they whisper of journeys, transformations, and timeless appeal. Their legacy, much like Oz itself, remains untamed, evolving, and endlessly fascinating.