In our current times, standing up against assaults and harassment is seen as the norm.
There's a stark contrast to earlier days when silence prevailed over speaking out against wrongdoings.
A poignant example of this change is reflected in the life of Judy Garland.
She found herself in a distressing situation that had a profound impact on her mental health, yet in that era, raising her voice was not a readily available option.
The director, Victor Fleming, employed a troubling method behind the scenes to quell Judy Garland's laughter, causing significant distress to her.
**Victor Fleming's Startling Response to Judy Garland's Laughter**
Judy Garland's time on the set of The Wizard of Oz was a mix of memorable instances and troubling incidents.
Victor Fleming, the fourth director overseeing the film, had an unconventional approach to maintaining the seriousness of the scenes.
In a specific scene where Dorothy playfully hits the fearful lion, portrayed by Bert Lahr, Garland's inability to suppress her laughter proved to be a challenge.
Despite multiple efforts, her laughter persisted, testing the director's patience.
In a drastic move, Victor Fleming resorted to a jolting action – he slapped Garland across the face and then shouted, commanding her to return to her dressing room.
This behavior would be unequivocally condemned as assault and completely unacceptable on a film set in today's standards.
**Garland's Resilience Amidst Harrowing Experiences**
The lack of reaction from Garland following Fleming's slap starkly highlighted the inappropriateness of his actions.
It's no wonder she was genuinely taken aback, and an uncomfortable ambiance lingered during filming.
Despite the forceful slap, Garland displayed remarkable strength by promptly returning to work without any disruption.
**Haunted by Disturbing Munchkin Incidents, Judy Garland's Psyche Suffered**
Judy Garland's time on The Wizard of Oz set was far from enchanting.
Distressing episodes, including inappropriate conduct from certain male actors playing munchkins, cast a shadow over her experience.
These distressing occurrences crossed personal boundaries and had a lasting impact on her well-being.
Garland encountered more than just s–ual assault.
Troubling reports of being administered drugs and subjected to a harsh, restrictive “prisoner-style diet” during filming underscore the distressing circumstances she endured.
These harrowing experiences likely played a significant role in her subsequent struggles with substance abuse and alcoholism.
Her ex-husband, Sid Luft, shed light on the severity of Garland's hardship.
In a memoir published posthumously, he revealed that male actors portraying munchkins made inappropriate advances, including groping her.
This heartbreaking revelation exposes a deeply troubling aspect of the production, emphasizing Garland's vulnerability and the immense tribulations she faced while embodying Dorothy.
