The Wizard of Oz (Fantasy-Adventure Comedy, 1925)

The Wizard of Oz is a silent fantasy-adventure comedy directed by Larry Semon, who also stars in the lead role. It is a loose adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, diverging significantly from the source material with a focus on slapstick comedy and a reimagined plot.
The film blends elements of fantasy with adventure and heavy doses of slapstick comedy, characteristic of Larry Semon’s style. Unlike the 1939 MGM classic, it leans more on physical humor and exaggerated gags than magical or fantastical elements, toning down the whimsy of Baum’s novel to fit the silent film era’s comedic sensibilities.

Plot
The 1925 film departs radically from Baum’s novel, introducing new characters and a different narrative structure. The story begins with a toymaker (Larry Semon) reading a story to a child, framing the tale. In this version, Dorothy Gale is an 18-year-old Kansas farm girl, and the Land of Oz is reimagined as a kingdom with political intrigue rather than a magical wonderland.
Kansas Setting: Dorothy (Dorothy Dwan) lives on a farm with Uncle Henry (Frank Alexander), who is revealed not to be her real uncle. A note signed by “Pastoria” (a reference to the exiled King of Oz from Baum’s works) discloses that Dorothy is Princess Dorothea, heir to the throne of Oz, kidnapped as a baby and raised in Kansas.

Tornado and Arrival in Oz: A tornado sweeps Dorothy and three farmhands—played by Larry Semon, Oliver Hardy, and an unnamed actor (briefly Curtis McHenry)—to the Land of Oz. There, Dorothy is recognized as Princess Dorothea by the villainous Prime Minister Kruel (Josef Swickard), who seeks to maintain power over Oz.

Disguises and Conflict: The farmhands don disguises as the Scarecrow (Semon), Tin Woodman (Hardy), and Lion (briefly McHenry) to navigate the political turmoil. Unlike Baum’s novel, these are not actual characters with distinct personalities but costumes used by the farmhands. The plot centers on their efforts to help Dorothy reclaim her rightful place as ruler, thwarting Kruel’s schemes.

Deviations from the Novel: The film omits iconic elements like the Yellow Brick Road, Toto, the Wicked Witch, and the Wizard’s quest to grant wishes. Instead, it focuses on slapstick antics, such as Semon’s stunts (e.g., swinging from towers) and a melodrama involving Dorothy’s royal heritage. The story is described as chaotic, with excessive gags and a loose connection to Baum’s original narrative.

Cast
Larry Semon as the Scarecrow (and the toymaker): A popular silent film comedian, Semon directed and starred in the film, designing his own Scarecrow costume. His performance is noted for its physical comedy, though some reviews criticized the overuse of slapstick.

Dorothy Dwan as Dorothy Gale/Princess Dorothea: Semon’s fiancée at the time, Dwan played an older, coy Dorothy, contrasting with the child protagonist of the novel.

Oliver Hardy as the Tin Woodman: Before his fame as part of Laurel and Hardy, Hardy played one of the farmhands who disguises himself as the Tin Woodman.

Frank Alexander as Uncle Henry: Portrayed the farm’s patriarch, revealed not to be Dorothy’s real uncle.

Josef Swickard as Prime Minister Kruel: The antagonist, a scheming politician in Oz.

Curtis McHenry as the Lion (briefly): The Lion has a minor role compared to the 1939 film, with McHenry appearing only briefly in the disguise.

Other Actors: William Hauber and William Dinus appear in the credits, but their roles are unspecified. Frederick Ko Vert plays the Wizard’s glamorous assistant, adding an androgynous element inspired by the 1902 stage musical.

Note on L. Frank Baum’s Son: The script credits “L. Frank Baum, Jr.” (Frank Joslyn Baum), Baum’s eldest son, as a co-writer alongside Leon Lee. However, Baum scholar Michael Patrick Hearn doubts his significant contribution to the screenplay, suggesting he may have been involved in business aspects or publicity, such as promoting Oz-themed toys.