# Star Wars was cribbed from The Wizard of Oz? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 10, 2013, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022 "2013-05-10T20:09:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2013, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/21 "2013-05-11T05:17:34Z")
So, let me get this straight… You’re all saying that a movie made as an homage to countless stories found in the entire genre of [Space Opera](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera), which, in turn is a hackneyed pastiche of every story telling trick ever known _ **actually resembles** _ some other book/film?! Inconceivable!! ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2013, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/22 "2013-05-11T05:52:37Z")
Lucas used clips from _ **The Dam Busters** _, _ **633 Squadron** _, and Lord knows how many other films to provide the storyboard for the attack on the Death Star. This parody is particularly good: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/4OZq-tlJTrU/hqdefault.jpg "Starwars: 633 Squadron Mosquito Deathstar attack") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OZq-tlJTrU) In _ **Phantom Menace** _, the only part of the second trilogy I’ve bothered to see, he blatantly ripped off _ **Ben Hur** _, _ **Spartacus** _, and _ **Cleopatra** _. What, he thought no one would notice? :dubious: 😕 ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2013, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/23 "2013-05-11T06:00:57Z")
If you sync up Dark Side Of The Moon and watch Star Wars, well the proof that it’s really just Oz with a fresh coat of paint becomes quite obvious. ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2013, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/24 "2013-05-11T12:03:53Z")
If you play _The Phantom Menace_ backwards, you’ll hear the message “Steven Spielberg is dead. I’ve been pretending to be him, so all my time is used up in making his films. That’s why I haven’t had time to spend making my own movies good.” ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/25 "2013-05-12T06:29:36Z")
> [@JKilez](#): > > That is all I knew of the film before I watched it. I assumed that the robot characters were all he cribbed from the work, but I was mistaken. > > It does not really matter what Lucas thinks or wants to admit. See the film. While I would agree that he does not really “steal” much, there are definitely story structure and visual style similarities. Lucas was _influenced_ by the film, he did not copy it. I did see it. The thing about the peasants/robots was that the story was told in large part from their point of view, not that of the heroes. Definitely an influence, but there were tons more also. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/26 "2013-05-12T14:20:32Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > “Knock over the guards, take their uniforms, and march into the prison” gag was also used in [Blazing Saddles](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=493pL_Vbtnc) but I don’t notice anyone claiming George Lucas stole from Mel Brooks. And pray to God he never does. Blazing Saddles. Starring Jar Jar Binks. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/27 "2013-05-12T14:50:40Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > _Star Wars_ steals from everything. Here’s a review I wrote (in about 1999) of the (original) _Star Wars_ trilogy: > > Let me tell you a story A person, dissatisfied with the dull life currently being lived, is taken to a far-off land with strange companions. Seemingly trapped in this place, the person explores the wonders of the new environment, encountering bizarre dangers. Eventually, it turns out that the key to getting home was right back where the person initially arrived; while the person’s companions receive rewards of status and love, the main character merely returns home, somewhat wiser. “The Wizard of Oz” and “Ringworld” ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/28 "2013-05-12T15:11:46Z")
> [@garygnu](#): > > Orphan leaves home and gets caught up in a wider conflict in a strange, new place? Becomes a Hero? Let’s Face it, there’s got to be a Thousand of those stories. Bravo! > [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > _Star Wars_ steals from everything. Here’s a review I wrote (in about 1999) of the (original) _Star Wars_ trilogy: > > Let me tell you a story: That was an excellent essay. But I still prefer Malcolm Tucker’s summary: > [@](#): > > Malcolm: What’s that film that you love? > > Ollie: Which one? > > Malcolm: The one about the fuckin’ hairdresser, the space hairdresser and a cowboy. … The guy, he’s got a tinfoil pal and a pedal bin. … He’s father’s a robot and he’s fuckin’ fucked his sister!.. LEGO! They’re all made of fuckin’ Lego! ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/29 "2013-05-12T15:35:56Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > If you sync up Dark Side Of The Moon and watch Star Wars, well the proof that it’s really just Oz with a fresh coat of paint becomes quite obvious. _Dark Side of the That’s-No-Moon-It’s-A-Space-Station_. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/30 "2013-05-12T20:48:37Z")
So the only “parallels” are basic story motifs and common tropes that are in everything. Got it. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/31 "2013-05-12T21:10:29Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > And pray to God he never does. > > Blazing Saddles. Starring Jar Jar Binks. :eek: “How about some more beans, Mr. Jedi?” ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/32 "2013-05-12T21:35:46Z")
Okay, that was pretty funny. At least you didn’t work in some kids toy angle in there. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/33 "2013-05-12T22:01:45Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > “How about some more beans, Mr. Jedi?” “Had enough, I think you have!” ---
**Author:** ![Max\_the\_Immortal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Max\_the\_Immortal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_the_Immortal)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/34 "2013-05-12T23:09:11Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > So the only “parallels” are basic story motifs and common tropes that are in everything. Got it. Think of this this way: Star Wars is a very basic story framework upon which Lucas proceeded to hang all sorts of _rad stuff_. Aliens, blaster guns, robots, telekinesis, space battles, laser swords, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/35 "2013-05-13T18:48:51Z")
I don’t argue that. My point is my original point - that Star Wars was not “cribbed” or copied from The Wizard of Oz in any meaningful way, that any similarities are broad common story elements. I realize that Lucas did not start from scratch, and had a _lot_ of influences - from thematic ideas, cinematography, storyboarding, concept of battle scenes, etc. But TWOO was not one of them. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2013, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/36 "2013-05-13T20:29:33Z")
I do remember Dorothy wanting to pick up some power-convertors. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2013, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/37 "2013-05-13T20:37:06Z")
Still, because both stories are heroes’ journies, the parallels can be seen. In TWoO, the external goal is a direct mirror to Dorothy’s inner goal, with her companions acting as direct proxies for the traits she must develop in order to grow up, only to discover she and they had them all along. In Star Wars, the exterior goal is its own plot, but Luke must also gain the same sorts of traits to complete his inner journey, and his companions are used to demonstrate them. As opposed to Dorothy, Luke’s friends already possess them (and not so black-and-white). All show courage; Ben shows compassion and wisdom; Han is quick-thinking and confident; Leia is a leader with chutzpah, Chewie displays strength and loyalty. Even the droids, R2’s determination and 3PO’s… communication, I guess? ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2013, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/38 "2013-05-14T01:31:33Z")
George Lucas is a big fan of _The Wizard of Oz_. It’s very hard to believe that he didn’t consciously model some elements of _Star Wars_ on it. Of course he modeled other parts of it on other things. As I said, Lucas deliberately stole from everything he could get his hands on. Remember, he had to take enough of the basic mythic structure from all the things he imitated that anybody with an eye for how story elements worked could see what he was doing, but he had to avoid taking so much of them that he might be sued for plagiarism. Here are some of the many websites discussing the relationship between the two movies: > **[Yahoo | Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos](https://www.yahoo.com/)** > > Latest news coverage, email, free stock quotes, live scores and video are just the beginning. Discover more every day at Yahoo! > **[Anthropological Realities](https://books.google.com/books?id=ddQwYc_2RGoC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51&dq=similarities%2Bbetween%2Bstar%2Bwars%2Band%2Bthe%2Bwizard%2Bof%2Boz&source=bl&ots=LEXMWgvJdc&sig=MfQxL1Y0MoHk7Q8kuQ5viTTtxhk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Lo6RUcaxM_bF4APXtIDQBw&ved=0CE8Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=similarities%20between%20star%20wars%20and%20the%20wizard%20of%20oz&f=false)** > > The perspective of social anthropology is broadening to include the changing realities of both traditional and modern people. Anthropologists such as Oscar Lewis, Marvin Harris, Margaret Mead, Frederick Barth, and others represented in this volume... > **[Home](https://ozwars.webs.com/)** > > The Wizard of OZ and Star Wars are the greatest fantasy films of all time. We look at archetypes, visual themes and meanings. It s fun! > **[Disney.com | The official home for all things Disney](https://www.disney.com/)** > > The official website for all things Disney: theme parks, resorts, movies, tv programs, characters, games, videos, music, shopping, and more! > **[Star Wars (film)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Episode_IV:_A_New_Hope)** > > Star Wars (retroactively titled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope) is a 1977 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas, produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by 20th Century-Fox. It was the first film released in the Star Wars film series and fourth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set "a long time ago" in a fictional universe where the galaxy is ruled by the tyrannical Galactic Empire, the story focuses on a group of freedom fighters known as the Rebel... The only way Larry Mudd was mistaken in the post you quote is that he didn’t mention all the other movies, books, legends, etc. that _Star Wars_ deliberately imitated. ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2013, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/39 "2013-05-14T03:56:38Z")
I do remember Luke waking up and being reunited with his family. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2013, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022/40 "2013-05-14T12:41:25Z")
Those musical numbers were cool, too. I especially liked the chorus of Jawas singing “Dink Dink the Tuscan Raider’s Dead.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-was-cribbed-from-the-wizard-of-oz/658022.md?page=3)