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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.
PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
BEYOND THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
“Here’s something you might enjoy, Raymond.” Annie handed her young son a book. “The Wizard of Oz. It teaches us that everyone has a brain, a heart and courage.”
“I love it, Mama.”
In his teens he discovered the theater. He idolized Fred Stone who originated the role of the scarecrow in the stage version of L. Frank Baum’s classic. Stone’s loose-limbed dance form intrigued Raymond.
Against his father’s wishes, the courageous youth set his mind on a career in entertainment.
As the scarecrow, with haphazard style, Ray Bolger danced across the screen in M-G-M’s classic The Wizard of Oz.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I like the question – What would you do, if you had a brain?
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It is a good question. Thank you Reena.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wonder what other qualities we’re going to need besides a brain, heart, and courage
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A jug of wine?
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I’m up for that
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Another excellent piece of historical fiction. Or is this a true-story?
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Dear Joyful,
The story is mostly true. The fiction is the conversation between little Ray and his mother. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Funny how some people seem to have destiny mapped out for them and it all works out!
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Dear Iain,
Destiny certainly was mapped out for Ray Bolger, wasn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Now that was a dance and a half. Who needs a brain anyway? Lovely trip down memory lane to a childhood classic, Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
My favorite line in that was “some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” We’ve found that to be true, haven’t we? Glad you enjoyed my story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And he did a fantastic job. What a role! Lucky for him he didn’t when the role of Tin Man!
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Dear Tanille,
Lucky for him, but not so lucky for Buddy Ebsen 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved that film! I once played Dorothy in an amateur production of the Wizard of Oz which was an unforgettable joy. My dance routine with the loose limbed Scarecrow was a triumph. ):)
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
I’m glad my post brought back happy memories for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the Wizard of Oz!!!
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So do I, Ashley. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was a great dance routine. Shame it didn’t make the final cut! The first thing I thought of when Is aw the photo was Wizard of Oz. I think your wonderful story closed that avenue. Maybe…
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Dear Trent,
GMTA. Don’t let my story stop you. It was a long full movie. 😉 Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, there are also many twists and turns we can take… 😉
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Dear Rochelle,
How wonderful to know what you want to be when you grow up! And not only make that dream come true, but succeed at it. Wonderful!
Shalom and lotsa dancing love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I did want to be an artist when I grew up…oh and an actress. 😉 The author part came much later. So I admire people like Mr. Bolger who set his sights on a goal and reached it. Thank you for your affirming comments on and off the grid. ❤
Shalom and lotsa hoofing hugs,
Rochelle
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An entertaining and interesting story based on real-life, Rochelle. Once again, good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Many thanks for your generous comments, Suzanne. I hope this finds you well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“If I only had a brain…” she sings.Love this. I always loved the Tin Man, though. Rusty joints and all. Aww, now I’ll have to watch the show, again.
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Dear Bear,
I watched the movie every year and used to think how wonderful it would be if I could see it whenever I wanted. Years later, I had to rethink that when we recorded it on VHS. My youngest son insisted on watching it every day, or so it seemed. I found myself wanting to banish the Lollipop Guild. 😉 Occasionally, these days, I do pull out the anniversary DVD and give it a go.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I looked to see if I had it on DVD… Must have been lost along the way. We used to watch on anniversary of the 1974 xenia tornado.
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This shows you needs brains to do a no brainer role. A classic revisited. Excellent hostorical fiction writing, Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
I’d say Ray Bolger was no slouch when it came to brains. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Unforgettable, Ray Bolger is part of what made that movie so incredible.
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Dear Linda,
That movie is a classic as are the actors. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always said I wanted to be a train driver when I was a youngster. It didn’t happen though. Isn’t it wonderful when dreams really do come true? Nice one Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
It is nice when dreams come true. Of course sometimes our dreams change. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It took courage to stand up against his father back then.
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Yes it did, Liz.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didn’t know that’s what we were supposed to learn from “The Wizard Of Oz.” I thought it was, “Don’t trust the man behind the curtain.” and “Never go to Kansas when it’s windy.”
I’ve only read the book in recent years. I was amazed by how much they toned-down the movie and that it was supposed to be a book for kids.
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Dear Nobbin,
I haven’t actually read the book. Or if I did it’s been so long ago I don’t remember much of it, other than the fact that Dorothy arrived back in Kansas in her stocking feet. Nonetheless, I’ve always loved the movie version. Thanks for breezing by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a delightful and charming story this week!
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Many thanks, Anne. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, fun! And a good deal more people could use asking themselves what would they do if they had a brain … 😉
xx
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Sad thing is that some people don’t care whether they have a brain or not. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oy, poor things. Then again, if they don’t got no brain, perhaps they don’t got much to work with to care whether they’s got one … 😉
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נכן 🤣🤣🤣
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🙂
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Excellent as always. Happy Hannukah
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Thank you, Mary. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The Scarecrow was my favorite in the film. Delighted to learn about how Ray developed the character into who he was.
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Dear Lisa,
Ray Bolger was the best choice for the scarecrow. 😀 Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you’re welcome, and as we are reaching the end of the year, let me use this as an opportunity to thank you for what you do here at Friday Fictioneers. You’re the hostess with the mostest! Happy Holidays!
Shalom,
Lisa
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Thank you for that much needed word and smile today. 😀 Happy to have you aboard the FF Bus. Happy Holidays back atcha.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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do we all have to go against our father’s wishes? it requires a strong heart to do it.
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Dear Plaridel,
Apparently, young Ray knew what he wanted and courage to go for it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like the lion, and I like that you reminded me of that.
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Dear Michael,
The Lion was a fun character.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I love this story and have always loved his dance style… it worked so beautifully as a scarecrow
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Dear Laurie,
It’s really a pity they cut that bit from the movie, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely magical film with some great moments indeed. Thank you for reminding me of some wonderful feelings I had when watching the film so many years ago.
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Dear James,
That movie is a classic. I loved it as a child and love it still. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A dream come true! I do enjoy that film.
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Dear Ali,
It’s a great film. Still sends me over the rainbow with delight.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh Rochelle, the clip the memories back of the all the characters and the pure pleasure of watching the film. The memories have stayed magical from when I was young. Thank you.
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Dear Francine,
Always happy to share the love. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Another wonderful trip down memory lane and tribute to Ray Bolger whose story shows that nothing is impossible. Dreams can come true.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
I just couldn’t resist a trip down Memory Lane or the Yellow Brick Road if you will. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a fun story and a nice history lesson…And nice accompaniment!
Shalom,
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
Fun and history go together in my book. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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