The Wiz (1978)

The all African-American musical version of The Wizard Of Oz starred Diana Ross as Dorothy. I remember there were a lot of complaints about Ms. Ross being cast over Stephanie Mills, the singer/actress who originated the role on stage. There was also flak over Ms. Ross playing a twenty-something when, in real life, she was much older. Unfortunately, Ms. Mills was not the big name, and Ms. Ross was.

The plot is essentially the same: girl and dog get swept into a strange world, and travels a road with some colorful characters to find a powerful wizard who can help her get home. There are some grand movie musical moments: The Scarecrow (Michael Jackson) and Dorothy dancing down the yellow brick road singing "Ease On Down The Road"; the Emerald City's residents changing the color of the moment at the Wizard's (Richard Pryor) whim; a jubilee dance after the Wicked Witch (Mabel King) has been defeated. Very colorful film.

The late Nipsey Russell was The Tin Man, Ted Ross was The Cowardly Lion. Quincy Jones appears as a piano player in one scene, and if you listen closely, you can hear the late Luther Vandross singing during "Can You Feel A Brand New Day". The late Mabel King was Roger and Dee's mom on the 1970's sitcom, "What's Happening?"