Both of them were filmed in 1939, when America was just as depressed as their fortunes were. The movie gave America a good solid two hours to forget their problems and to just focus on Dorothy and Toto. The movie since its release still enjoys a phenomenal success rate even today. Culturally, the movie made an impact, as did Gone with the Wind. Scarlett's strength and courage has yet to be rivaled today.
People underestimate the importance of watching the old-time movies from a bygone era.
We are losing our appreciation for the actors and actresses who helped make these movies the cultural phenomena they are. We freak out if our cell phones go haywire. And interests in the classics of the past are fading away as quickly as eight-tracks and cassettes. Movies of today are not nearly as worth going to anymore. We forget that movies of the past teach Americans about events that most of us forget after taking U.S. or world history.