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The Wiz

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Synopsis

When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy is miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz, she goes in search of the Wiz, a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan, along with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

Cast

  • Diana Ross
  • Michael Jackson
  • Nipsey Russell
  • Ted Ross
  • Mabel King
  • Theresa Merritt
  • Thelma Carpenter
  • Lena Horne
  • Richard Pryor
  • Stanley Greene

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Reviews

Metacritic

50

A lot to look at, little to contemplate, and nothing to hum.

Metacritic review by Dave Kehr
Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader
75

The movie has great moments and a lot of life, sensational special effects and costumes, and Ross, Jackson, and Russell. Why doesn't it involve us as deeply as The Wizard of Oz? Maybe because it hedges its bets by wanting to be sophisticated and universal, childlike and knowing, appealing to both a mass audience and to media insiders. The Wizard of Oz went flat-out for the heart of its story; there are times whenThe Wiz has just a touch too much calculation.

Metacritic review by Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Wiz (1978) family-friendly?
The movie has been rated as G (General Audiences), so all ages are admitted.
How long is The Wiz (1978)?
The movie is 2hr 14min long.
What's The Wiz (1978) about?
When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy is miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz, she goes in search of the Wiz, a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan, along with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.
Who's the cast of The Wiz (1978)?
  • Diana Ross as Dorothy
  • Michael Jackson as Scarecrow
  • Nipsey Russell as Tinman
  • Ted Ross as Lion, Fleetwood Coupe de Ville
  • Mabel King as Evillene
  • Theresa Merritt as Aunt Em
  • Thelma Carpenter as Miss One
  • Lena Horne as Glinda the Good
  • Richard Pryor as The Wiz (Herman Smith)
  • Stanley Greene as Uncle Henry
Who's the director behind The Wiz (1978)?
Sidney Lumet directed The Wiz (1978).
Who produced The Wiz (1978)?
Rob Cohen produced The Wiz (1978).