The Man Behind the Curtain

"The man behind the curtain" trope was introduced into popular culture in 1939 with the release of The Wizard of Oz, which despite its legendary appeal among Boomers as a television chestnut was a modest big-screen event.

As you recall, Toto finally earns his Kibbles when he drew back the green drape to reveal Frank Morgan's Wizard pulling the levers that animated Oz's fiery, floating head. The image would be replicated countless times over the decades.

I think it is a highly useful metaphor for deceit and manipulation, even if the film's narrative trashes its own internal fantasy "logic."

How had the Wizard been able to fool all of the witches with their floating bubbles and crystal balls? Was it because he was a man and they were mere women?

How had he been able to get all of the tuneful Emeralds to do his bidding, despite being a giant "humbug," to use Scarecrow's word. Charm? Hardly. Maybe they were enablers in the Wizard's elaborate game of power and self-enrichment.

Sounds like MAGA nation.