Who can imagine The Wizard of Oz without Dorothy’s faithful canine friend, Toto? Apparently, the author, L. Frank Baum, could envision such a thing. In the original stage production in 1902, Baum replaced Toto with a cow named Imogene. Long before Toto earned more money than some of the actors, Baum envisioned Dorothy’s closest friend as a bovine.

Imogene the Cow in the 1902 stage production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

For those who prefer the 1939 film, starring Judy Garland, there is much about the 1902 edition that is disturbing. The manner in which the scarecrow was depicted is veritable fuel for nightmares.

The Wizard of Oz 1902 musical extravaganza with Fred Stone as the Scarecrow and David Montgomery as the Tin Woodman.

The first movie adaptation of The Wizard of Oz was a 1910 silent movie. (Watch it here)