The appearance of the Munchkins in the 1939 Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz has little to do with L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel on which the movie is based. In the book, Munchkins are described only as shorter than usual in stature and clad from top to toe in blue. The hairdos (for example, the bald heads and spit curls) and elaborate costumes (for example, the flowing blue robe and high hat of the Coroner, the Mayor’s green frock coat and plaid vest, the Lullaby League’s pink tutus, and the Lollipop Guild’s Tartan shirts and striped tights) are the invention of costume designer Adrian Greenberg and makeup artist Jack Dawn. Read more about the Munchkins and the movie in A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. (see NOVELS).
