Book and Movie Reports by Ed

Book report: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire Why is the Wizard of Oz such a compelling story? This modern myth seems to get a new retelling every couple of years, each with a different angle, a different emphasis. Certainly, the 1939 movie version has left an indelible impression on American culture: most people can quote large sections of the movie verbatim, and certain phrases crop up in ordinary speech almost daily. A writer is lucky to come up with a single memorable character in their entire lifetime, but L. Frank Baum created 8 in this one story. By far the most memorable character is the Wicked Witch of the West. Margaret Hamilton’s performance in the 1939 movie is surely one of the most unforgettable film roles ever. I know she scared the bejeezus out of me, and my experience was not unique. That face! Those gestures! That voice! Yet, if you think about it, how wicked was she? She certainly threatened a lot, and put people to