The 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film adaptation of the Wizard of Oz is probably one of the most famous films of all time. From ruby red slippers to the putrid green witch, the influential film is now 75 years old so here are 7.5 facts and tid-bits you may not know about one of the world's most favourite films. 

1. In the scene where Judy Garland had to slap the cowardly lion, the young actress couldn't stop laughing in every take. So, director Victor Fleming took her aside and slapped her. The actress returned to her scene and filmed it in one take. 

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She can still be seen smiling and giggling slightly after the slap, however.

2. The majority of the Wicked Witch of the West's scenes had to be all cut together and heavily edited after they were deemed too terrifying for children. 

3. The 'oil' they used to lubricate the tin man in the film was in fact chocolate syrup because oil didn't photograph well on camera. 

4. Dorothy's infamous white and blue dress was in fact pink and white. Pink was easier to shoot in technicolour at the time of filming. 

  MGM

5. Margaret Hamilton's green make up for her character, the Wicked Witch, was so toxic that it could not be ingested. She had to live on an almost liquid diet for the entire time they were filming. 

6. Bert Laher’s lion costume weighed over 40kg and made from real lion skin. It got so warm that two people spent each night drying it to be used the next day.

7. Liza Minnelli, daughter of Judy Garland, was married to Jack Haley Jr., the son of Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man.

7.5. Toto, Dorothy's adorable companion throughout the film, was in fact called Terry.

  MGM