Learn History Through Fiction: Munchkins Paid Less than Toto the Dog

The actors who played Munchkins in the 1939 Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz were paid only $50-100 a week, less than Toto the dog whose salary was $125. Some resorted to boosting their earnings by pimping and prostitution, even begging. They reportedly propositioned crew members, leading to wild, though unsubstantiated, tales of drunken orgies. Read more about the Munchkins and the making of the movie in A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. (see NOVELS).

Munchkin actors were paid meager wages
Toto was paid more than the Munchkins
A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. by Ann S. Epstein (Alternative Book Press, Editors’ Choice Selection of Historical Novel Review)

Author: annsepstein@att.net

Ann S. Epstein is an award-winning writer of novels, short stories, memoirs, and essays.

2 thoughts on “Learn History Through Fiction: Munchkins Paid Less than Toto the Dog”

  1. Just to say this is almost 1000 per week in 2024 currency

    More than 50k per year

    The dog was paid nothing

    The *trainer* got 125 per week… You know for being a trainer

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