Who Are the Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz
The Munchkins are the small fictional residents of the Land of Oz who greet Dorothy after her house lands in their territory. They celebrate her for accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East.
Munchkin Roles and Songs in the Film
In the 1939 movie, the Munchkins perform the iconic song "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead" during a colorful parade. They wear distinctive costumes and appear in groups representing different trades and roles in their community.
Behind the Scenes and Legacy
The Munchkin roles were played by actors of short stature, with many performers coming from vaudeville and circus backgrounds. Their scenes were filmed on the MGM studio lot, and the sequence remains one of the most memorable early Technicolor musical moments. For more background on the production, see the Wizard of Oz film page.
