<P> The film received much acclaim upon its release . Frank Nugent considered the film a "delightful piece of wonder - working which had the youngsters' eyes shining and brought a quietly amused gleam to the wiser ones of the oldsters . Not since Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has anything quite so fantastic succeeded half so well ." Nugent had issues with some of the film's special effects, writing, "with the best of will and ingenuity, they cannot make a Munchkin or a Flying Monkey that will not still suggest, however vaguely, a Singer's Midget in a Jack Dawn masquerade . Nor can they, without a few betraying jolts and split - screen overlappings, bring down from the sky the great soap bubble in which Glinda rides and roll it smoothly into place ." According to Nugent, "Judy Garland's Dorothy is a pert and fresh - faced miss with the wonder - lit eyes of a believer in fairy tales, but the Baum fantasy is at its best when the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion are on the move ." </P> <P> Writing in Variety, John C. Flinn predicted that the film was "likely to perform some record - breaking feats of box - office magic," noting, "Some of the scenic passages are so beautiful in design and composition as to stir audiences by their sheer unfoldment ." He also called Garland "an appealing figure" and the musical numbers "gay and bright ." </P> <P> Harrison's Reports wrote, "Even though some persons are not interested in pictures of this type, it is possible that they will be eager to see this picture just for its technical treatment . The performances are good, and the incidental music is of considerable aid . Pictures of this caliber bring credit to the industry ." </P> <P> Film Daily wrote: </P>

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