The Magic Cloak of Oz


1914

Brief Synopsis

The fairies of Oz gather in the forest of Burzee one evening and weave a magic cloak that gives the wearer one wish, so long as it has not been stolen. The man in the moon tells them that their messenger should give it to the first miserable person she sees. Two children, Fluff and her younger brother "Bud" (a child's attempt at "brother," which stuck), have just lost their father and are taken by Aunt Rivette to live in Nole, the capital city of Noland, where the king has just died without heir. The messenger gives Fluff the cloak, who wishes to be happy again, while a legal loophole places Bud on the throne, and they empty the treasury to buy toys. Their pet mule Nickodemus is captured by robbers and puts together a small animal army (including the Cowardly Lion, the Hungry Tiger, the Lonesome Zoop, the Woozy, and others) to battle the Rolly Rogues that have invaded the city. The cloak is nowhere to be found because 683 year old bewitching Queen Zixi of neighboring Ix, has been informed by Quavo the minstrel of the cloaks power, and wants to see herself young and beautiful, as others see her, but she cannot.

Film Details

Release Date
Sep 28, 1914
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Oz Film Manufacturing Co.
Distribution Company
Paramount Pictures Corp.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Sound
Silent
Color
Black and White
Film Length
5 reels

Synopsis

Fluff, her brother Bud, and the mule Nickodemus live beside the Vinegar River with their guardian, Aunt Rivette, a laundress with prophetic powers. The three travel to Noland, where the king has died without an heir. According to law, his successor shall be the 47th person to enter the East Gate of Nole at sunrise. Bud becomes this person, but Nickodemus, unhappy with his new life, leaves Noland. He encounters robbers, who have abducted Mary, a little girl, and with the aid of a lion, a monkey and a crow, frees her. Hearing news that the fairies have given Fluff a coat which grants its owner one wish, Queen Zixi determines to have it. After various twists of fate, the cloak finally comes into the possession of Bud who wishes that he will be Noland's best king.

Film Details

Release Date
Sep 28, 1914
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Oz Film Manufacturing Co.
Distribution Company
Paramount Pictures Corp.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Sound
Silent
Color
Black and White
Film Length
5 reels

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

Some modern sources list J. Farrell MacDonald as the film's director. A three reel version of the film was released in 1917 as The Magic Cloak.