"THE WITCH FROM OZ"
Margaret Hamilton

THE MAKING OF THE WIZARD OF OZ

BY ALJEAN HARMETZ

COPYRIGHT 1977, FIRST EDITION

hand-signed by Margaret Hamilton in her unmistakable long personal inscription , "with my warmest wishes and my love to you Dale - from Maggie - and that other woman - witchable wishes W.W.W!"" 

This is a scarce First Edition of The Making of the Wizard of Oz  published in hardback by Alfred A. Kropf in the USA in 1977.   And what makes it even more special, is that Margaret Hamilton, AKA "the Wicked Witch of the West", has written an inscription and hand-signed it "W.W.W." as was her usual way of signing her autograph.  The book comes complete with its dustjacket.   This is a First Edition, clearly stating that on the title page.

The book has 330 pages, and includes 93 illustrations and photographs, 18 in full color.    "From the scriptwriters at work...to the scandal headlines of Munchkin orgies at the Culver City Hotel to the Witch's accidental burning, to the director who stayed on the set just long enough to replace Judy Garland's blond wig with brown braids - here is The Making of The Wizard of Oz.  This richly detailed re-creation brings alive, as never before, a major Hollywood studio and reveals, through hundreds of interviews (with cameramen, screen writers, costume designers, directors, producers, light technicians, actors, et al), how the factorylike Hollywood system of movie-making miraculously produced one of the most enduring and best-loved films ever made."

The pages of the book are slightly separated from the book cover, extending about 1/3 of the way down from the top.  All of the pages are secure, none are loose.   The dustjacket shows some wear to the edges and a 4" tear on the binding edge (has been scotch-taped); it has not been price-clipped (original price $12.95). 

VERY RARE Book, but ALSO signed by the "Witch"?, probably only only one in existence. 

$575

RARE - SIGNED by TWO Oz Cast Members - Margaret Hamilton & Ray Bolger

VERY RARE - Spectacular DUAL signed OZ photo by Margaret Hamilton as the "Witch" and Ray Bolger as the "Scarecrow".   Acquired directly from the recepient who obtained in person and also became friends with Ms Hamilton in the late 70's early 80's. Comes with handwritten provenance stating that he personally had Ms Hamilton and Mr Bolger sign this piece.   Rarely do AUTHENTIC Oz dual signed items like this appear on the market, although eBay has the everyday forgeries.

Mr. Bolger signed the photo "To Mike from His Friend The Scarecrow Ray Bolger". Ms. Hamilton added "as again (?) says in his book - follow your yellow brick road! good luck and watch out for loose bricks! Margaret Hamilton + WWW".

$1295

RARE - SIGNED by TWO Oz Cast Members - Margaret Hamilton & Ray Bolger

Margaret Hamilton (The Wicked Witch) & Ray Bolger (Scarecrow). Another spectacular DUAL signed photo from the same long time collector above who was also a friend of Ms Hamilton. . It was signed in the 1980's and is in excellent condition although the "W.W.W." is a bit smeared.  Ms. Hamilton signed the photo "Come up and join me - Mike! Best wishes - Margaret Hamilton + W.W.W.". Mr. Bolger added "Don't do it Mike! The Scarecrow Ray Bolger".

Comes with handwritten provenance stating that he personally had Ms Hamilton and Mr Bolger sign this piece.   Rarely do AUTHENTIC Oz dual signed items like this appear on the market, although eBay has the everyday forgeries.   Although in the case we have been fortunate enought o acquire from the same REPUTABLE source who wrote to many stars during the 70's and 80's.  These are the ONLY Authentic Hamilton/Bolger dual signed photos we have come across in 20 years. Beware of many multi-signed oz Forgeries on eBay.  One thing to look out for is that most of the infamous forgers do not attempt to accomplish the lengthy inscription that Bolger, Haley and Hamilton almost always did.

A nice vintage, stunning OZ treasure!

$1295

Margaret Hamilton - Beautiful vintage signed OZ   photo as she prepares to send a fireball at the Scarecrow, Tinman and Dorothy.   Cane from same collector as above who became friends with Ms Hamilton and had the opportunity to have a number of photos signed .  Comes with copy provenance stating his relationship with Ms Hamilton. Many of these photos from "Mike's" collection have a slight age tint due to having them signed nearly 30 years ago.  Just adds that extra nice of authenticity to it.

Ms. Hamilton signed the photo "For Mike - love from WWW + Margaret Hamilton"

$595

Great 8 x 10" Black and White Photo of the WICKED WITCH herself, MARGARET HAMILTON, in a publicity photo from MGM classic motion picture, THE WIZARD OF OZ, where this photo shows her as MISS GULCH, although it may be Margaret in character for MY LITTLE CHICKADEE with W.C. Fields. It's a great shot of the actress, which she personally inscribed "Well -Well-Ron-Who'd ever think I-an old maid would meet you--far from old-De-licious! and ever fun Maggie Hamilton". This autograph piece is from the estate of noted San Francisco collector Ron Weinberg who obtained all of his autographs in person. Imagine owning an authentic autograph of Margaret Hamilton, as MISS GULCH, which is unusual and an AUTOGRAPH, on a GREAT Photo like this one!

$495

Margaret Hamilton Signed photo in character as the
"Wicked Witch of the West:".  A beautiful studio shot in her menacing pose. A real beauty!! 

Guaranteed authentic for life. Comes with COA from Conway's Vintage Autographs and a COA from Piece of the Past, authors of the Autograph Price Guide.

$495

The "Wicked Witch of the West", Margaret Hamilton. Wonderful Oz scene. She has so nicely signed,
"Dear Sara, Here is your fortune! Heh-heh. with love from WWW! and Margaret Hamilton" in her typical small handwriting.  The actual photo doesn't have the green tint and the flash, my camera and the light makes it look that way.  Actual photo is nice black and white.

$550

All of our autographs are Guaranteed for Life!

$550

Margaret Hamilton - Authentically signed and long inscribed photo

The below is testimonial to the authenticity of this item  (which most autographs unfortunately never come with):

"I received this photo in the mid 1970's. At the time I owned a small motel and housekeeping cottage colony near the Pocono Playhouse in Mountainhome, PA. Margaret Hamilton was in a play (the name of the play escapes me) at the Pocono Playhouse and she was a guest at my accomodations. The playhouse was part of the "straw hat circuit" which was a group of summer theaters in the northeastern part of the country. Margaret Hamilton was a very gracious and elegant lady and a true pleasure to have met.Packed away, I think I may have the Playbill from the show that she was in."

$175

$250