The task of assembling little people to act in the 1939 Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz fell to Baron Leopold von Singer. In Germany, he had put together a troupe of touring “midgets” who took part in vaudeville shows all over Europe. He had bought some of them as children from their parents, who wanted to get rid of them. By 1938, he had gathered a stable of 100 tiny performers and was based in America. Singer was put in charge of all the Munchkins, looking after lodging, food, and attendance on set. Managing them was never easy. Many did not speak English and sang in thick German accents. The little people had no affection for him either. They claimed Singer stole a big percentage of their wages. Read more about the Munchkins and the making of the movie in A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. (see NOVELS).
