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This Selig adaptation of L. Frank Baum's Dorothy and the Scarecrow of Oz was part of a series of commissioned radio plays. This was a mixed-media experiment dreamed up by Baum in 1908, whereby the film would be accompanied by a narration and a live stage presentation. The film portion of the program was its weakest element, with the Baum original stripped to essentials and with papier-mâché props and painted scenery. And, of course, the actors playing the animal characters could not hold a candle to such future actors Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, and Jack Haley. A more satisfying series of Oz adaptations was produced by Baum himself for his own film company in 1914 and 1915.