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On this day in 1939 the film Wizard of Oz premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood.

Millions of us love this movie and have our special moments, quotes and characters. My own favourite quote, by Dorothy: “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, fell in love with Toto during filming (Toto was female) and wanted to keep her but her owner refused. Toto had her leg broken when someone trod on her during filming – it wasn’t all rainbow-land.

In later life, Judy Garland experienced a lot of unhappiness, mainly as a result of failed love affairs and died from an alcohol and drug induced overdose aged forty-seven. A tragic end for the little girl who, just like Dorothy, was always looking for: “…someplace where there isn’t any trouble – do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It’s not a place you can get to by a boat or train. It’s far, far away…behind the moon…beyond the rainbow.”

Here is William Wordsworth’s poem The Rainbow:

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.

Today I will remember for all those who dream and feel disappointment.