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Why The Wizard of Oz fans think the Cowardly Lion costume is ‘disgusting’ despite $3M sale
Yes, the Cowardly Lion costume from the Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz was made from real lion skin and fur. Fans of the hit movie were less than impressed to find out.�
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most memorable and iconic movies to date but it could also act as a lesson on what not to do when it comes to safety standards.�
The film has a long history of controversy but fans were startled to find out one more discovery in recent years. Actor Bart Lahr, wore a costume made from real lion skin and fur while playing the Cowardly Lion.�
The costume was really made from a lion pelt
The costume was sold in 2014 for $3,000,000 and it was then that fans made the discovery. The auction site Bonhams was responsible for the impressive sale, listing it online ahead of time.
As found by one curious movie fan, the auction site also listed details of the suit, including what it was made of: � Italian human hair wig & mane and footwear constructed out of lion pelt.
Reportedly, the costume was made from a mix of human hair along with lion fur and hide. The lion fur made up the body of the costume, while the costumes mane was made up of real human hair.
The son of actor Bert Lahr modeled the costume years ahead of its auction and spoke after about just how hot it got wearing the fur. The Lions suit was very interesting. It was a real lion skin, and it weighed 60 pounds. My dad had to be in it all day, he couldnt eat because of the way the mask was, so he had to eat his lunch through a straw, he reportedly said.
Fans were shocked by the costume
After spotting the disturbing details on the auction page, fans took to social media in 2014 to share their shock. One fan posted the find to Reddit, where word quickly spread.
That&is&disgusting, wrote one Reddit user.
The lion may be a coward but the actor mustve been a real brave person to put that costume on, added another.
One fan wrote: Honestly, I could tell that he was super sweaty. It almost fit with the whole nervous part about him. �
Not the only concerning costume
The Cowardly Lion wasnt the only characters costume that has a dark history to it. Originally, actor Buddy Ebsen was cast to play the Tin Man.�
After just nine days though, he was hospitalized after essentially being poisoned by the aluminum powder makeup used on his face. The actor was rushed to an oxygen tent and ultimately replaced in the movie, as his health was not improving quickly enough to continue.
Actor Jack Haley replaced him and was painted with an aluminum paste-mix instead. He did however still develop an eye infection, but it was treatable.
