Black magic is a term used to describe the use of supernatural powers or occult practices for evil purposes. It is believed to involve the invocation of evil spirits or demonic forces to cause harm or manipulate events for personal gain. Black magic has been practiced for centuries in various cultures around the world. It often involves the performance of rituals, spells, or incantations to control or harm others. The motives behind black magic can vary, from seeking revenge or power to causing physical or psychological harm to individuals. Historically, black magic has been associated with witchcraft and sorcery.
“Numerous books have celebrated the fan appeal of MGM’s Wizard of Oz, but there’s far more to this story than nostalgia. Scarfone and Stillman delve deep into the history of this landmark film, exploring its place in the pantheon of classic fantasy films, as well as fascinating details of production. The Road to Oz is an important addition to the film-history bookshelf.” —J.B. Kaufman, film historian and author of The Fairest One of All: The Making of Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
A complete accounting of Sam Goldwyn s proposed and aborted 1934 Technicolor musical version of Oz starring Eddie Cantor including commentary from Cantor s sole surviving child. Despite the crushing turnouts at signings for shows such as Animaniacs , The Simpsons , and SpongeBob Squarepants , most voice actors continue to work in relative anonymity.
Historically, black magic has been associated with witchcraft and sorcery. Those who practice black magic are often seen as having a deep knowledge of the dark arts and are believed to possess the ability to command supernatural forces. In some cultures, these practitioners are revered as powerful figures, while in others they are feared and considered dangerous.
The Road to Oz : The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece
The Road to Oz is a complete retelling of how The Wizard of Oz was influenced and created, and attained its iconic status. The new volume by Jay Scarfone and William Stillman will reflect recent research and much more through newly discovered period interviews, media resources of the era, transcriptions and unique contemporary interviews with those who were there. Additionally, never-before-published imagery accompanies the text. In its truth and candor, this new historical contribution is ideal to tie-in with the 2018-19 80th anniversary of the 1939 movie.
Tantalizing highlights of the text include:
· A thorough synopsis of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and the script, inspired by the book, of the 1903 Broadway musical-comedy extravaganza.
· An overview of the plots of prior silent film adaptations of Oz and how they influenced the M-G-M film.
· An analysis of newly-discovered audio transcriptions of Wizard of Oz radio programs from 1931-32 and 1937-38—all of which were previously unknown.
· A complete accounting of Sam Goldwyn’s proposed (and aborted) 1934 Technicolor musical version of Oz starring Eddie Cantor (including commentary from Cantor’s sole surviving child).
· A thorough analysis of the October 10, 1938 M-G-M shooting script (provided by descendants of comedian and Cowardly Lion actor Bert Lahr) that predates the beginning of production by seventy-two hours.
· Startling revelations about the operetta that seemingly inspired “Over the Rainbow.”
· Judy Garland’s trials and tribulations with the studio, including the threat that M-G-M was grooming a sound-alike who tested for Oz.
· The supporting player who was cast in two roles in Oz’s fantasy sequence—the second role revealed for the first time in Scarfone and Stillman’s text.
· The Munchkin midgets’ pre-1939 Wizard of Oz connection.
· Oz’s film editor with a direct connection to Walt Disney and Snow White.
· Studio nepotism, favoritism and politics at the height of Hollywood’s golden age on the making of the world’s most famous film.
“The Road to Oz not only delivers exciting, previously unpublished information and insight, but does so in an extremely well-cited format. This is absolutely a must-have for any Oz fan or film historian.” —Sean Barrett, theatrical/film producer and artistic director, Land of Oz, North Carolina
“A new and wonderful book penned by the foremost Oz movie history authors. This is a must-read for all old and new Oz fans worldwide.” —Roger S. Baum, author of Dorothy of Oz (on which the film Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is based) and great-grandson of L. Frank Baum
“Numerous books have celebrated the fan appeal of MGM’s Wizard of Oz, but there’s far more to this story than nostalgia. Scarfone and Stillman delve deep into the history of this landmark film, exploring its place in the pantheon of classic fantasy films, as well as fascinating details of production. The Road to Oz is an important addition to the film-history bookshelf.” —J.B. Kaufman, film historian and author of The Fairest One of All: The Making of Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
“The Road to Oz is a gamechanger in the world of motion picture history books. Long considered the leading authorities on the making of The Wizard of Oz, Scarfone and Stillman have crafted decades of extensive research into a new and unparalleled historical recalling of the classic film.” —Randy L. Schmidt, editor of Judy Garland on Judy Garland: Interviews and Encounters and author of Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter
“The Road to Oz not only delivers exciting, previously unpublished information and insight, but does so in an extremely well-cited format. This is absolutely a must-have for any Oz fan or film historian.” —Sean Barrett, theatrical/film producer and artistic director, Land of Oz, North Carolina
The effects of black magic can vary depending on the intentions of the practitioner and the target of the spell or ritual. Some common effects might include illness, physical or mental distress, bad luck, or even death. It is believed that the manipulation of cosmic forces through black magic can have a profound impact on the lives of both the practitioner and the victim. Many cultures have developed ways to protect themselves from black magic, such as wearing amulets or talismans, performing protective rituals, or seeking the help of spiritual leaders or healers. These practices are believed to counteract the effects of black magic and provide a shield against its harmful influence. While black magic may be seen as a dark and negative practice by many, others view it as a form of personal empowerment or a means to achieve specific goals. Regardless of one's beliefs, black magic remains a topic of fascination and intrigue, often depicted in literature, movies, and folklore as a powerful and mysterious force..
Reviews for "The Joy of Hexing: Why Some Embrace the Dark Side of Black Magic"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to watch "Black Magic Spy" as I love action movies, but unfortunately, this one let me down. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, with no clear direction. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their actions or motivations. The action sequences were overly choreographed and lacked any sense of realism. Overall, "Black Magic Spy" felt like a cheap imitation of better action movies, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling experience.
2. Matthew - 1/5 stars - I've seen my fair share of bad movies, but "Black Magic Spy" takes the prize. The acting was wooden and the dialogue was poorly written, leaving the actors struggling to deliver their lines convincingly. The special effects were laughable and looked like they were created on a tight budget. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found my mind wandering throughout the entire film. "Black Magic Spy" is a complete waste of time and money, and I regretted watching it.
3. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I was really hoping for a unique and exciting spy movie experience, but "Black Magic Spy" failed to deliver. The plot was predictable and offered no surprises, with all the typical spy movie tropes thrown in without any originality. The characters were cliché and lacked any real depth or development. The action scenes were lackluster and didn't provide any real thrills. Overall, "Black Magic Spy" felt like a forgettable and formulaic movie that failed to stand out in the genre.