The Wonderful Land Of Oz (1969) is a TV movie. It is a compilation of L Frank Baum's The Marvelous Land of Oz series of children's books. Though it appears to have been shot on a sound stage, this is essentially a stage play put on film. The protagonist is a native of Oz, an orphan called Tippetarius (or "Tip" for short). After escaping his abusive caretaker, the old witch Mombi, Tip sets out to seek his fortune along with his two companions: Jack Pumpkinhead and the Saw-Horse, both of which he created and brought to life with Mombi's "Powder of Life".
Tip must contend with General Jinjur, the commander of the all-female Army of Revolt, who means to attack Emerald City and take over Oz because she desires to have a woman in charge. Tip seeks out Princess Ozma, the daughter of the last king, who disappeared as a baby. Tip eventually discovers that he himself is the princess he's been looking for. His sex had been changed to protect her identity. Tip transforms back into Ozma, and is declared the ruler of Oz.
The Wonderful Land of Oz provides examples of:
- The Chains of Commanding: The Scarecrow is pretty darn tired of ruling Oz in the Wizard's absence. He doesn't fret much about surrendering to General Jinjur, and he's eager to find the true heir to the Land of Oz so he can finally take some rest.
- Death of Personality: Oddly, this adaptation treats Tip's transformation back into Ozma this way, with The Good Witch telling Tip that he will live on in spirit outside of Ozma's body, and Ozma having difficulty remembering her former friends when she wakes.
- Didn't Think This Through: The rebel girls manage to take over the Emerald City to escape things like household chores and homework, only to begin starving when they all realize they don't actually know how to take care of themselves.
- Gender Bender: The boy Tip transforms into Princess Ozma. Mombi had disguised Ozma as Tip for her protection until she could regain the throne originally taken by the Wizard.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Tip flees Mombi's house rather than get turned into a stone statue. He take's Jack and Mombi's magic powder with him.
- Separated by a Common Language: The Scarecrow calls in an interpreter to "translate" for Jack after Jack introduces himself as a foreigner. The interpreter makes fun of both of them until they realize they can understand each other just fine.
- Witch Classic: Old Mombi is every inch the witch, and proud of it too.
- Wouldn't Hit a Girl: General Jinjur's Army of Revolt is banking on the guards of the Emerald City upholding this trope so they can invade without trouble. Lucky for them, they were right.
