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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
HEARTLESS
Buddy woke up one morning, struggling to breathe. He sat up, but the intense pain in his stomach doubled him over. “Must be something I ate.”
After two weeks in the hospital, he shook the doctor’s hand. “Thanks, Doc. For a while I feared I was going to that yellow brick road in the sky.”
The doctor handed him a prescription. “Take it easy—no more aluminum makeup.”
“No problem—lost my job.”
Later Buddy Ebsen called Ray Bolger. “Hey, you old scarecrow. I should never have traded roles with you. Tell Mr. Haley to keep his oil can handy.”
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For a little more info CLICK
What a shocking fact. I’ll never be able to see the Wiz the same way again
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Dear Neil,
It does put a different spin on things, doesn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A really troubling story. As usual, you lead the way, dear Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
It was most troubling for Mr. Ebsen. 😉 There are other stories surrounding the classic film as well. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely bit of history as always. I’ve just finished reading about Buddy Ebsen, that’s dreadful but glad he didn’t succumb to the effects of the make-up, and went on to a long successful career. Nicely told!
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Dear Brenda,
Buddy did rise above that disappointment, didn’t he? Everyone knows and loves Jed Clampett and Barnaby Jones. 😉 Well maybe not everybody. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I certainly did! 🙂
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An interesting snippet of information. Aspiring actors beware of the makeup lady’s
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Dear Michael,
I don’t think the makeup ladies were responsible. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was relieved to read the rider at the bottom of the article you linked to. I’ve seen references to aluminium in some cosmetics I’ve used in the past. Another informative post, nicely crafted. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
Although his predecessor had a minor reaction, the change of formula made a difference. 😉 I think we’re safe. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂 Still smiling at this!
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Thank you, Danny. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a well-oiled story, Rochelle. What wizardly prose. I wonder when it will be time for me to return home?
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Dear Kelvin,
Perhaps you can click your heels together three times and say, “There’s no place like home.” 😉 You are missed. Thank you for the pun and games.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww thank you, Rochelle, I miss FridayFictioneering too m. My health blipped again – same probs as earlier in the year – which isn’t a surprise as they didn’t operate then.
Shalom
Kelvin
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So sorry to hear, Kelvin.
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Ha ha – loved this, Rochelle – especially as you saw what I saw when you looked at the photo prompt. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
We did go in similar directions, didn’t we? Great minds think alike. 😉 Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Read it, then your footnote, then read it again! Excellent Rochelle.
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Thank you, Keith. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He appeared to have been custom.made for rural, backwoods roles. Wheee doggies~He was the perfect Uncle Jed.
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Dear Larry,
He did deliver with a low-key dry whit. And who now remembers Jack Haley the way they remember Buddy Ebsen?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The things we do for art… More little facts most of us didn’t know. And, worse for me, I can’t go with my original thought when I saw the photo of the tin man from Wizard of Oz…
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Dear Trent,
Your original thought? There are so many behind the scenes stories we don’t know. I love learning them. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, my original thought – when I saw the photo I knew I had to do something on The Wizard of Oz… that is until I read this. After the fun I had with my little poem, I’m glad I went a different direction.
As to the little tidbits of history that you dig up, I’m glad you love learning them. Your FF stories are always fun to read, yet I often learn something new from them.
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Great story. Buddy was really sick from that whole thing, too. He would have been great in the role. It was a long stretch before Jed Clampett, but I bet more people remember him now than Ray Bolger. Well, doggy!
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Dear Josh,
My thoughts exactly. And don’t forget Barnaby Jones. 😉 Someone just asked me who Jack Haley was. She does remember Jed. Ebsen really was brilliant in the role. His dry delivery was underrated. Thank you from one old movie geek to another. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Right! Jack Haley! See? Even I forgot the guy’s name! 🙂
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A little piece of trivia many do not know about. Love the story with Buddy Ebsen. I personally liked him best at Jebb Clampett 😉
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Dear Courtney/Kim,
I remember back in the days of Beverly Hillbillies, learning that Mr. Ebsen was a dancer in the 30’s. He did have a successful career, didn’t he? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didn’t know that… but for sure it doesn’t sound healthy to be painted with aluminum paint… sometimes losing your job is not the worst thing.
but remember
Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t, didn’t already have… (from the lyrics of Tin Man by America)
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Dear Björn,
Thank you for your comments and for the ear worm. 😉 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story and history lesson. I’m sure you will weave the other stories in somehow in the future.
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Dear Jan,
There are a lot of interesting stories surrounding the Wizard of Oz so you never know. Thanks m’luv and happy 47th anniversary. ❤
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Hi Rochelle,
A nice bit of movie history. I enjoy learning classic movie trivia. I’m happy that nothing serious happened to Buddy. I used to enjoy watching him in the role of Barnaby Jones. He’s the only detective I know who drank milk. Kind of like Kojak and the lollipop.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
Funny, I never watched Barnaby Jones, although I did enjoy Buddy on the Beverly Hillbillies. Despite his backwoods character’s ignorance, he brought a certain level of common sense and intelligence to the role. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very interesting movie tidbits, Rochelle. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, AHFA, Much appreciated. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Fun Fun Fun …!!! I love your sense of humor sprinkled with facts.
Who doesn’t love the wizard of oz??!!!
An unusual photo this week. I almost got here last week but the holiday took over my life.
Belated Thanksgiving Greetings. Hope you had a blessed one.
Espero le guste mi cuento. Como siepre es un placer visitar y leer sus obras, mi amiga.
Abrazos y Carino,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
It’s always a pleasure to see you here in Purpleville. BTW, I get so many compliments on my purple hat. 😉
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen the Wizard of Oz. Glad you enjoyed my story. We did have a pleasant laid back Thanksgiving.
Gracias y Carino mi querida amiga.
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
I’ve seen the Wizard of Oz hundreds of times. I have 3 girls. It was their favorite movie. When I took my girls out for Halloween, I dressed as Dorothy with a stuffed Toto dog from my Fluffy Suffy stuffed animal store. The candy was hidden under Toto. Later in years, when they didn’t go out we’d dress-up and hand out candy in various Oz costumes. It’s such a classic.
Gracias … for mentioning the compliments on the hat. I’m pleased you are enjoying it. From my FB-PM I think you know I haven’t read any books lately. Stress shuts me down.
My hope is to read while recuperating and perhaps … knit another purple masterpiece you might want to barter for your newest book. BUT … I may be laid up for awhile.
Siempre en mi corazón, mi amiga. Me siento tan rica de haberla conocerla …
Abrazos y Shalom …. Happy Hannukah
Isadora 😎
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Take your time, mi amiga. ❤
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I vaguely remember hearing this story somewhere… At least the actor’s suffering was treatable. Great story.
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Dear Jo,
I remember when I first found out that Jed Clampett was the first choice for the tin woodsman. I, too, am glad he survived the makeup fiasco. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The entertainment industry isn’t all it’s cracked up to be 🙂 Thanks for another tidbit of history.
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Dear Linda,
Oh the stories that keep coming to the surface, eh? No doubt there are plenty more where those came from. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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For once a little bit of trivia I was familiar with! Some actors do give a lot for their art and careers!
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Dear Iain,
It’s really not a new story. I really thought more people would be familiar with it already. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s very rare I have any prior knowledge of your interesting bits of history – I see it as a badge of honour that I have at least one! 🙂
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Dear “Oil Can Boyd” W(T)F,
I bet in later years Buddy discovered Granny’s Rheumatis medicine. It’ll cure what ails you–and even what doesn’t. I was aware that he once had a part in this show, but didn’t know about the aluminum effect. They put it in Pepto-Bismol, you know. Be careful you don’t O.D.
Following the yellow brick road,
Rusty Elbows
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Dear Rusty Elbows,
Funny how many don’t know this story. I thought it was universal…but perhaps it’s just MGM. Raise your hand if you remember who Jack Haley is. 😉 Be careful not to fall and break you–hip–on the Yellow Brick Road. Now that you’re a year older. Thanks for limping by.
Shalom,
Oil Can Boyd W(T)F
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Whoa! I had no idea. Just the other day I was thinking of the women that put radium on clock dials way back when. This fits right into that nightmare. Thanks for a peek into another bit of history.
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Dear Lish,
I wrote a story about the radium girls last year. Terrible thing. It just shows how things need to be tested first. Thank you for coming down the yellow brick road with me. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh! now I remember that you did. I’ll always go down the yellow brick road with you!
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Performers really do have to make some startling sacrifices for their careers. At least now there are better makeup alternatives.
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Dear Alice,
So true about performers. What comes to my mind is Adrien Brody who sold most of his worldly possessions and lost 40 lbs from his already thin frame for his role in “The Pianist.” And the list goes on. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, Rochelle, more facts coming our way, fascinating stuff, you truly are an encyclopaedia Rochellica!!
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Dear Shrawley,
I’m more a trivia-pedia. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another fine piece of fiction tapas with a side order of a historical titbit. I will always have a soft spot for T.W.O.O. after my daughter spent many month in rehearsals for a stage version when she was twelve years old. Our lives were completely at the mercy of her schedule from the end of August 2009 until the end of the following January, but I must say she was a fine Munchkin and a very amusing Toto! 🙂
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Dear JWD,
No wonder you have a soft spot for the Wizard of Oz. 😀 Thank you for stopping by for a bite of fiction.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The shine was certainly costly for this fellow. Thank goodness for the good doc (and an oilcan or three). 🙂
Thank you for hosting, Rochelle. And for sharing your words.
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Dear Magaly,
Mr. Ebsen was fortunate indeed. Not to mention he went on to have a memorable career on television. As for hosting…my pleasure and passion. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aluminum makeup? Thats almost as bad as the arsenic wallpaper from days gone by. Poor guy!
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Dear Andrea,
And then there’s lead paint and asbestos curtains. And don’t forget radium girls. Thanks for coming by. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poor dude! The sacrifices people make (knowingly and not) for their professions! I’ve known someone who’s relative got ill because of exposure to face paint with some toxins in it–perhaps it wouldn’t have been a big deal if used sporadically, but that guy was a professional clown … He didn’t know that what he used to earn a living was potentially going to rob him of a life.
Here’s my contribution for this week’s photo prompt (yep, left it at the link-a-think-thing, too!)
https://naamayehuda.com/2018/11/28/aladdins-ally/
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
At least he went on to have a successful career in television. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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i guess every job has its benefits and risks. 🙂
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True, Plaridel, Very true. Thanks for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I love that we are always smarter after reading one of your stories. Now I keep thinking of “Goldfinger”… ‘course they had improved makeup by then…
And good for Buddy. Firing can be a turn-around, can’t it?
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
There’s an old expression that says when a door is closed, a window opens. And who remembers the name Jack Haley? Pity he was a wonderful singer/dancer.
I remember that scene in Goldfinger.
Thanks for dancing down the yellow brick road with me. 😀
Shalom and hugs,
Rochelle
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It really is a great expression. Who? 😉
Painted gold…. wild!
Always up for a dance or sashay down any road with you…
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Another gem of historical trivia from you Rochelle. Priceless!
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Many thanks, Anurag 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, next time I watch the film I’ll try to forget that they were dropping like flies…
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Dear Ali,
Yes, there were a few disasters connected. Margarite Hamilton missed two weeks after her makeup caught fire. Thanks for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great build-up throughout. Wonderful write. Very creative.
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Thank you, Lisa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent story. Thanks.
Ronda
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Thank you for saying so, Ronda. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, that is fascinating. I loved Buddy Ebsen, a great actor and a fine dancer. I didn’t know he had that connection to The Wizard of Oz. I remember seeing the film for the first time and being absolutely transfixed by the “real” men appearing on screen. How fascinating too that we both saw the tin man in the image. I promise I hadn’t looked at any of the FF posts before I put mine up. Best wishes and thank you for all you do, Jillyx
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Dear Jilly,
It does seem a few of us connected ‘oil can’ with the Tin Woodsman. 😉 And we all went different directions with him, didn’t we? Great fun. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yowsa, so glad he didn’t suffer any long term effects. Nicely told bit of historical fiction as always!
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Thanks so much for the ‘yowsa’ Karen. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As a child I was relived Jedd Clampet wasn’t the tin man.. Hahaha
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Dear Violet,
I loved that movie growing up as well as Jed. 😉 Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Cutest thing.
Love it.
So simple but so creative!💐
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Thank you, Sabina. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Alluminium poisoning. Who’d have thought it? Reminds me of that film where a woman is covered in gold paint and dies of suffocation. Was it Goldfinger?
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Yes, Liz. It was Goldfinger. I remember it being quite shocking at the time. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I see our minds when in similar directions this week! I didn’t know about this near-tragedy
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Dear TRG,
This is one story I’ve known about for years. I guess it’s one of those forgotten histories. I think a few of us went in the same direction with this prompt. 😉 Thank you for swinging by Frogtopia.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s excellent. I knew the tale of aluminium poison that Buddy Ebsen suffered because my Grandmother told me when I was little. We were watching the Beverley Hillbillies and she said, “See that man. He should have played the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz. She also said that the Granny in Beverly Hillbillies, Irene Ryan was Irene Dunne. She didn’t get everything right. 🙂
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Dear Kristian,
Irene Dunne? That’s hilarious. My dad told me the story when I was young. I have to say, I think Jack Haley made a delightful Tin Woodsman. Thank you for reading and leaving such a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome. 🙂 Yes I think Jack Haley did a great job. He had a better singing voice than Buddy Ebsen.
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I didn’t know that but it brings home that we can do dreadful things to our bodies when we don’t know the dangers. I know someone who used to have asbestos snow ball fights before they knew the dangers of asbestos. Great story Rochelle.
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Dear Irene,
I remember when asbestos was considered the best defense against fire. Oh the things we don’t know that CAN kill use. Thank you re my story. 😀 Welcome back!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle for the welcome.
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What an interesting piece of history! I’m sure Buddy was never tempted to use aluminum makeup again.
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Dear Magarisa,
I don’t believe Buddy Ebsen ever did another film where he had to wear metallic makeup. 😉 Of course I could be wrong. But I loved him as Jed Clampett. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The Tin Man nearly died of aluminium poisoning, who would have thunk? The MGM were real hard task masters so reading up further on the story didn’t surprise me at all. Ah well it’s good to see so many of us thought of the Wiz on seeing that photo. Childhood memories never go away it seems.
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Dear Subroto,
I guess many of us heard the Tin Woodsman squeak, “oil can.” 😉 Lot of childhood memories surrounding that movie. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good story based on history, Rochelle. Those two actors were fortunate to escape death or disability. It would have also been terrible for the studio and film if worse had happened. It would have been known as the film where people died in the making. Good writing as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
There are plenty of stories that surround that movie. I can’t help thinking of Vic Morrow’s death on the set of the Twilight Zone movie. Thank you for coming by for a read and for leaving a nice comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember the death of Vic Morrow and the poor little children who died with him.. I also remember they still made the movie by filming around the scene. That was really sad. 😦 — Suzanne
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Great story, and of course, based on the truths behind the scenes – and as so many have noted, often, there are so many toxins and carcinogens that we just can’t know of, until the disastrous effects, often years later. And for what it’s worth – I have to say, I personally, have never been a fan of the “Dorothy” club — so for those who can’t imagine it – heh, you can say, now you know there are those of us who exist and just don’t like the movie. LOL … but Jed always cracked me up, although Grannie was a hoot!
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Dear Wildchild.
My husband is one of those who has never seen The Wizard of Oz nor wants to. I don’t understand but I can live with it. I’ve loved the movie as long as I can remember. Thank you for commenting on my story. Welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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thanks Rochelle, I’ve been here before … “out” for a long time now … anyhow, I’m back, but for my comments notifications, which still haven’t been “fixed” yet, so if I don’t “return” back here to engage in delightful conversations, I’m not being rude. I just can’t keep track! Maybe I need to oil the machine? 😉
LOL – we are a weird bunch, those who have no like or pull towards “Oz” – *shrugging* – but I think if something endears to the heart, then hold onto it — we all could use some magic in our lives, perhaps now, more than ever. (And that is testament to a good solid relationship – acceptance of the differences 😀 )
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend and week to come –
Shalom!
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Love this. I never knew he was set to play the Tin Man. It might have an entirely different play as he’s so wonderful as the Scarecrow.
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Dear Sascha,
Actually Buddy Ebsen would have made a wonderful scarecrow had he not traded roles with Ray Bolger. As it is, Buddy Ebsen wasn’t in the movie at all. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochgelle
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Shoot you’re right. I definitely got something mixed up.
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interesting, had to read the background
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Thank you, Arora.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz, I knew this bit of trivia, but i love the way you told it.
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Dear Dawn,
I thought this story was common knowledge. 😉 Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Omg and i so loved the tin man. Gosh.. . Terrible
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Dear Laurie,
Fortunately for Buddy Ebsen, it wasn’t the end of the line for him. 😉 Thanks for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was always a little bad for him about the allergic reaction. I wonder how disappointed he was that he could not play the role.
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Dear Lyneane,
I imagine there was some disappointment. I wonder how he felt in later years when the movie became a classic? On the other hand, he went on to have a lucrative career. Jack Haley who? Thanks for swinging by. Give Basil a tummy rub for me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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