The Magic Cloak of Oz is a silent fantasy-adventure film released in 1914, directed by J. Farrell MacDonald and written by L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," from which this film was adapted. The movie revolves around two young girls, Fluff and Skeezix (played by Mildred Harris and Violet MacMillan), who accidentally come into possession of Dorothy's famous magic cloak, which has the power to transport its wearer anywhere they wish to go. When the two girls put on the cloak, they are whisked away to the Land of Oz, where they find themselves embroiled in a perilous quest to defeat the evil King Krewl (played by Fred Woodward) and his army of wicked creatures.
Along the way, the girls encounter many of the beloved characters from the original Oz story, such as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who join forces with the girls to vanquish the evil forces that threaten the peace of the land. They also meet new characters, such as the kind-hearted Queen Zixi of neighboring Noland and her courtly companions.
The plot is filled with twists, turns, and surprises as the heroes navigate the twisted path of Oz politics, form alliances with unlikely allies, and engage in thrilling battles with Krewl's minions. The action is punctuated with moments of humor and whimsy, such as when the Scarecrow and the Tin Man battle over who will carry the girls' luggage.
The film's special effects were considered cutting-edge for their time, with creative use of double exposures, animation, and elaborate sets and costumes. The cast delivers strong performances, with MacMillan and Harris as the plucky heroines and Woodward as the flamboyantly wicked Krewl.
Overall, The Magic Cloak of Oz is a delightful adventure that captures the magic and wonder of L. Frank Baum's timeless classic. Its colorful characters, thrilling action, and charming visuals will captivate audiences of all ages and leave them longing for more trips down the yellow brick road.
The Magic Cloak of Oz is a 1914 fantasy movie with a runtime of 37 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.
