**The Wizard of Oz (1933) directed by Ted Eshbaugh is a short animated film that predates the more famous 1939 version. This early adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved children’s book was created during the early days of sound animation. The film is notable for being one of the many creative interpretations of Baum’s work before MGM’s live-action version became the definitive cinematic portrayal. Eshbaugh’s version, only around eight minutes long, offers a more condensed and whimsical take on the story, made vivid through its pioneering use of color animation techniques.**

**Ted Eshbaugh, the director, was an animator and filmmaker known for his work in early animation. He contributed significantly to the development of color animation in the early 20th century. Though not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Eshbaugh’s contributions were innovative, with his work influencing the use of Technicolor in cartoons. His 1933 version of the story is a testament to his artistic vision and technical skills, employing detailed animation to bring Baum’s characters to vibrant life. Eshbaugh’s career might not have reached the heights of Disney or Fleischer studios, but his creative endeavors played a crucial role in the evolution of animated films.**

**The cast, mainly consisting of voice actors, remains somewhat obscure, as detailed information about the voice talent involved is not readily available. This anonymity of the cast reflects the era’s common practice, where animated films often didn’t credit voice actors as prominently as live-action stars. The short film does, however, manage to capture the essence of Baum’s characters despite its brief runtime, focusing primarily on Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and other essential figures in the narrative. While it didn’t achieve the iconic status of the 1939 film, this 1933 animated adaptation remains a fascinating piece of animation history and an early attempt to translate a beloved book to the screen.**