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7 Shocking Secrets Revealed In Rare Wizard Of Oz Flying Monkey Photos

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The Winged Monkeys of Oz remain one of the most terrifying and iconic images in cinematic history, but the rare, behind-the-scenes photos from the 1939 production reveal a story far more fascinating—and sometimes darker—than the film itself. This deep dive, updated for December 2025, uncovers the fresh details about the actors, the legendary costume design, and the true, enslaving lore of these mischievous creatures from L. Frank Baum’s original world.

The sheer detail captured in these newly digitized archives, including screen tests and candid shots, offers a unique glimpse into Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's (MGM) meticulous, yet arduous, production process. From the intricate prosthetics worn by the lead monkey to the legendary costume designer who brought them to life, prepare to see the Flying Monkeys in a completely new light, revealing the human effort behind the cinematic magic.

The Actors and Visionaries Behind the Winged Monkeys

While the focus is often on Dorothy Gale, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow, the Flying Monkeys were a crucial, terrifying element of the film, and their creation involved a specific, talented group of actors and legendary Hollywood designers. The following entities were instrumental in bringing the Winged Monkeys to the screen:

  • Pat Walshe (Nikko, Head Flying Monkey): A diminutive actor born in 1900, Walshe was a veteran of vaudeville and circus acts. He played Nikko, the leader of the Winged Monkeys, and his dedication to the role is evident in the rare screen test photos. He was the last surviving member of the principal cast until his death in 1991.
  • Harry Monty (Flying Monkey Actor): Another key actor involved in the troop, Monty also had a long career in Hollywood, often playing smaller or character roles.
  • Gilbert Adrian (Costume Designer): Known professionally as Adrian, this legendary MGM costume designer was responsible for the entire look of the film, including the iconic ruby slippers and, crucially, the detailed, grey-and-blue Flying Monkey costumes.
  • Victor Fleming (Director): The director who oversaw the entire, massive production at MGM, including the complex flying wire work for the monkey sequences on the "Haunted Forest" set.
  • L. Frank Baum (Author): The creator of the entire Oz universe in his 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, where the Winged Monkeys’ lore is first detailed.
  • Margaret Hamilton (Wicked Witch of the West): The iconic actress who commanded the monkeys, delivering the chilling line, "Fly! Fly! Fly!"

1. The Shocking Detail of Nikko's Prosthetics vs. The Troop

Rare behind-the-scenes photos from the MGM archives reveal a fascinating discrepancy in the costume and makeup design for the Flying Monkeys. While the general troop wore full masks and simpler costumes designed by Gilbert Adrian, the lead monkey, Nikko, played by Pat Walshe, received special treatment.

Walshe's makeup and prosthetics were significantly more detailed and subtle than his fellow Winged Monkeys. This decision was intentional; Nikko, as the Wicked Witch's chief lieutenant, needed to convey a greater range of expression and menace. The rare photos show a meticulous application of facial prosthetics, allowing Walshe's performance to shine through the heavy makeup. This level of detail in a minor character highlights the enormous budget and perfectionism of the 1939 production, making Walshe's transformation a masterclass in early Hollywood practical effects.

2. The True, Dark Lore: The Enslavement of the Winged Monkeys

The film portrays the Flying Monkeys as mere servants of the Wicked Witch, but the original lore from L. Frank Baum's book is much darker and revolves around a powerful artifact. The rare photos gain new context when you understand that the monkeys are not inherently evil, but are, in fact, enslaved.

The key to their bondage is not the Witch's power, but a magical object called The Golden Cap. The Monkey King tells Dorothy the story of how they were once free, mischievous beings who played a prank on a rich man. As punishment, they were cursed to obey the owner of the cap, which first belonged to a sorceress named Gayelette. The Golden Cap grants its owner three wishes, and the Winged Monkeys are compelled to fulfill them. The Witch of the West came into possession of the cap, using up two of its wishes, which is why she sends Nikko to retrieve the cap from the Witch of the East's castle in the book.

3. The 'Haunted Forest' Set and the Wire Work Terrors

Behind-the-scenes photographs often capture the Winged Monkeys on the "Haunted Forest" set at the MGM studios. These photos reveal the elaborate, yet primitive, flying apparatus used to create the illusion of flight.

The actors, including Pat Walshe and Harry Monty, were suspended by thin wires and complex harnesses. The process was physically demanding and often dangerous, a common issue in early filmmaking before advanced visual effects. Director Victor Fleming and the crew had to meticulously choreograph the sequences, ensuring the wires were hidden from the camera. The rare photos, often taken during breaks or setup, show the actors in their heavy, uncomfortable costumes awaiting their turn to be hoisted into the air, a stark contrast to the effortless flight seen on screen.

4. Gilbert Adrian’s Iconic Costume Design

The look of the Flying Monkeys—grey fur, blue-and-red vests, and large, feathered wings—is instantly recognizable and a testament to the genius of Gilbert Adrian, MGM’s chief costume designer. Adrian was a master of creating memorable silhouettes, and the Flying Monkey costume is a perfect example of his ability to blend the fantastical with a touch of unsettling realism.

The design had to be functional for the actors, allowing for movement on the wires, yet terrifying enough for the audience. Rare photos of costume tests showcase the evolution of the design, from early mock-ups to the final screen-used version. The choice of the muted grey for the fur and the vibrant blue for the vests was a deliberate move to make them stand out against the dark, foreboding backdrop of the Wicked Witch's castle and the Haunted Forest.

5. The LSI Entities: The Wider Oz Universe Connections

To fully appreciate the impact of the Flying Monkeys, one must recognize their place within the broader Oz universe, a concept that modern adaptations like the musical Wicked have further explored. The appearance of the Winged Monkeys connects several key entities:

  • The Land of the Quadlings: The direction of the Witch's castle, often linked to the Quadlings, reinforces the geography of Oz.
  • The Emerald City: The monkeys' attack on Dorothy and her companions (the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion) is a direct challenge to the safety promised by the Emerald City.
  • The Movie's Legacy: The terror evoked by the monkeys is consistently cited as one of the most frightening moments in children's cinema, solidifying the film’s status as a cultural phenomenon and a staple of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The rare photos of the actors in full costume, laughing between takes with Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, and the rest of the main cast, provide a heartwarming, humanizing counterpoint to the monsters they portrayed on screen. They remind us that behind the terrifying cinematic creatures were dedicated performers, bringing L. Frank Baum's vision to life with grit, wire work, and groundbreaking costume design.

7 Shocking Secrets Revealed in Rare Wizard of Oz Flying Monkey Photos
wizard of oz flying monkey photos
wizard of oz flying monkey photos

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