Gable and Hollywood gossip maven Hedda Hopper who first discovered Terry while visiting the Spitz’s ranch for a publicity stunt. Bernard who gained fame co-starring with Clark Gable in “Call of the Wild.” Spitz’s from unhappy owners, Terry was soon learning routines already perfected by the Spitz stable of doggy stars– including those of Buck, a St. In the pages of this dog’s diary, Carroll, we mean, Toto, tells the ‘Wizard’ story, and a few other old Hollywood tails, we mean “tales,” from a decidedly doggie perspective. We know this now because a memoir called “I, Toto” has recently been “discovered” by author and Oz fanatic Willard Carroll on the grounds of what used to be the ranch of a famed Hollywood animal trainer named Carl Spitz. “Wizard of Oz,” it turns out, was little more than a Terry-driven star vehicle, just one of many milestones in her long and illustrious Hollywood career. At last, the story of Cairn Terrier formerly known as “Terry” is being shared with the rest of the world.

Now, finally that simple truth can be told. Some film scholars have gotten philosophical, suggesting “Wizard” is a political allegory the Scarecrow representing feckless farmers, the Tin Man heartless industry, and the Lion and Wonderful Wizard being symbols, respectively, for military and civic power.Īll that academic analysis is well and good, but real fans know the film is all about the dog.

Most viewers see “Wizard” as the simple story of a girl named Dorothy, the friends she makes in a wonderful land, and her realization about the importance of family and home. “ The Wizard of Oz” is one of the most beloved films of all time, having charmed children and adults alike for generations.

I Toto by Willard Carroll