Dorothy Gale is a fictional character created by L. Frank Baum, the author and originator of the Oz legacy. She appears in the crossover film Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz and its sequel Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz. In her roles within the Tom and Jerry universe, her speaking voice is provided by Grey DeLisle (credited as Grey Griffin) and her singing voice in the first film is performed by Nikki Yanofsky. In the sequel, her singing voice is provided by Amy Pemberton.
History[]
The Wizard of Oz (1939)[]
In the iconic film The Wizard of Oz, directed by Victor Fleming, Dorothy Gale, portrayed by Judy Garland, is a young girl living in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. Feeling out of place and longing for adventure beyond the mundane life on the farm, Dorothy's world is turned upside down when a tornado transports her to the magical land of Oz.
In Oz, she meets memorable characters, including the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, as well as facing challenges posed by the Wicked Witch of the West. Throughout her journey, Dorothy remains determined to return home, exemplifying kindness, bravery, and resilience. Her motto, "There's no place like home," encapsulates her deep desire for the familiarity and comfort of her life in Kansas. The film's music, particularly the song "Over the Rainbow," has become synonymous with Dorothy’s character and her dreams of a better place.
Tom and Jerry: The Wizard of Oz[]
In the Tom and Jerry animated short titled Tom and Jerry: The Wizard of Oz, released in 2011, Dorothy is reimagined in a comedic context alongside the beloved cat-and-mouse duo. This version of Dorothy retains her adventurous spirit but is placed in a slapstick narrative characteristic of Tom and Jerry. Here, she embarks on her quest through Oz while dealing with Tom and Jerry, who add chaos and humor to her journey. Key elements of the original story are maintained, such as her interactions with iconic characters from Oz, but the tone is light-hearted and aimed at a younger audience.
Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz[]
In the 2016 sequel, Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz, Dorothy returns once again as the central character but this time goes back to the magical land of Oz to help her friends confront new challenges. The familiar animated style and comedic elements of the series continue, allowing Dorothy to navigate her adventures with Tom and Jerry in a blend of excitement and humor. Despite the comedic backdrop, Dorothy still embodies traits of bravery and kindness as she rallies her friends together to face new threats in Oz.
Characteristics[]
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Dorothy Gale is a young girl from Kansas, known for her adventurous spirit and strong sense of loyalty, especially towards her dog, Toto. She lives on a farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, who provide her with love and support. Despite being surrounded by a mundane rural life, Dorothy often dreams of far-off places and adventures beyond the rainbow.
The Wizard of Oz[]
Dorothy's life takes a dramatic turn when a tornado sweeps through Kansas, carrying her and Toto to the magical land of Oz. In this fantastical realm, she meets a variety of memorable characters, including Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, as well as the Wicked Witch of the West. Dorothy’s ultimate goal is to return home, which she pursues by seeking out the powerful Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. Throughout her journey, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of home.
Appearance[]
Similar to her portrayal in the 1939 film, Dorothy has brown hair styled in pigtails adorned with blue bows. Her signature outfit consists of a light blue gingham pinafore dress worn over a white blouse with short puffy sleeves. Underneath, she wears a white petticoat and light blue ankle socks, paired with black lace-up shoes, changing to ruby slippers during her journey to the Emerald City.
Dorothy is characterized as a slender and graceful 14-year-old girl with fair skin, curly dark reddish-brown hair, and expressive blue eyes. After a makeover in the Emerald City, her hair is styled with a single light blue bow on top of her head.
Personality[]
Dorothy is depicted as a kind, brave, and determined young girl with a vivid imagination and a caring nature. Her admirable traits include resilience, curiosity, and musical talent, as well as intelligence, resourcefulness, and compassion. Known for being forgiving, sweet, and honest, she possesses a strong protective instinct towards her dog, Toto, whom she deeply loves.
Dorothy cherishes her life on the farm and her bond with Toto, and she demonstrates sensitivity in challenging situations—such as when Miss Gulch takes Toto away, during her capture in the Wicked Witch's castle, and when the "Wizard" leaves in his hot-air balloon without her. While she embodies gentleness and nurturing, she also has a strong voice, often confronting characters like Miss Gulch and the Cowardly Lion, and standing up to the Wizard when he raises his voice.
Her compassion for others drives her to confront injustice, and her resilience is a central theme of her journey as she navigates the challenges of Oz—all while remaining hopeful about returning to her beloved Kansas.
Trivia[]
- In the sequel, Dorothy mentions that she will turn 15 eight months after the events of the film, indicating that she is 14 years old in both films. Given that the original The Wizard of Oz was released in August and the sequel takes place immediately afterward, this suggests that her birthday falls in April.
- Dorothy is depicted of being left-handed.
- In the original film, she is played by the late Judy Garland.
- Her facial features bear a resemblance to those of the character Red.
Gallery[]
Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz[]
Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz[]
