Thanks for the feedback and input, fellow Playmofriends!
This thread initially came about while ruminating on my lack of enthusiasm for Playmobil's recently released licensed sets, when I had the thought: what sort of licensed sets might I like to see from Playmobil instead? I understand that the licensed sets are not for everyone, and even I much prefer the non-licensed sets. However, The Wizard of Oz concept sort of encapsulates the sort of licensed sets I would like to see from Playmobil: those rooted in the nostalgic and the timelessly classic, rather than the trendy and new.
Europe consumes a lot of American media; and Scooby-Doo, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future themes were released in Europe also (as opposed to some of the Halloween sets). So PM must have anticipated a European market for those themes.
I remember visiting Germany as a child and watching the beloved American sitcom
Bewitched on TV, dubbed in German. It was a great cultural experience, if somewhat surreal. I'm not surprised that there is a European market for Scooby-Doo, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future; I simply meant that there are a lot of media which, despite seeming typically "American" to an American, nonetheless perform well on the European market. Could merchandise related to The Wizard of Oz do well on the European market? I'm sure companies like Playmobil do plenty of market research about such things before even thinking about licensing deals.
I also wish they had released the Heidi theme in the US. There were some good parts in there for historical themes, and the US knows Heidi, even if the cartoon is less known here. They tend to be slow to realize that people want "cultural" sets depicting cultures outside their own.
Yes, I think the Heidi sets could have done well here, despite the fact that the animated series on which the sets are directly based is not as well-known in the US. The Spyri-inspired Heidi character is well-known here, as there have been dozens of adaptations over the years; heck, the 1930s film starring Shirley Temple is still pretty popular. There are plenty of parents looking for wholesome, culturally-enriching toys for their children, free from the superficial "Hollywood" branding. Perhaps the lack of a U.S. release had something to do with the terms of licensing?
Unfortunately, both the Ruby Slippers and the Green skin of the Wicked Witch of the West were created for the film and are probably the most recognisable features in people's minds.
The Ruby Slippers and the green skin of the Wicked Witch of the West are the main reasons I see these as "licensed" sets, because I imagine Playmobil would have to agree to a licensing deal with MGM in order to using the imagery; but I almost can't imagine sets being created without them, as they are too iconic. Plus, I really want to see Playmobil recreate the iconic look of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North in klicky form (perhaps packaged in her very own semi-transparent pink bubble!):
![](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d9/e3/ca/d9e3ca05a4e59d62f7a692e346c58b48.png)
I cannot speak with much authority about the rest of Europe, but I would say The Wizard of Oz is pretty much a classic in the UK. The film was released here in 1939 (see here), the same year as its US release, during the dark austerity of WW2, when most films were monochrome. People of my parents' generation knew the film well and it seems well known to this day, with frequent showings on TV. There is even a Ladybird Book (Google it!) of the story, in a series known as 'Well Loved Tales.' It is not uncommon for amateur groups, schools etc. to put on one of the many stage musical versions.
Thanks for sharing, GrahamB. The experiences of your parents' generation seems to mirror what I have heard from many older folks here in the States. We were just stepping out of a Great Depression, and Dorothy stepping into the technicolor world of Oz seemed almost symbolic of a new age to many people. I know that both countries would soon go through some dark years, but for a pre-war film WoZ really had the feeling of post-war exuberance. I feel that one reason Wizard of Oz continues to be popular (and could make good sets for Playmobil) is that at its core, the message is very simple and universal: good versus evil, the meek and gentle defeating the strong and powerful through sheer goodness.
I concur. The Wizard of Oz and his Yellow Brick Road were forever on TV when I was wee tiny, in the Netherlands back in the 1970s. I see here a lot of potential to lure adult collectors to part with their money. Brilliant idea: thank you, Klicky_Ghost! (I'm terrible at saying Hello politely - welcome to the forum! I'm thrilled that you have joined!)
Thanks for the kind welcome, StJohn!
![Hello :wave:](https://www.playmofriends.com/forum/Smileys/classic/wave.gif)
It's comforting to know that The Wizard of Oz is a fond memory for many others across the world! As I mentioned to GrahamB, the positive messages imparted by the story are very universal in nature, and of course the whimsical world of Oz functions as a fun backdrop to the main quest story line. I would love to see what Playmobil could do with the idea!
If it's money Playmobil is after, I have a few lists I could pass their way
![Wink ;)](https://www.playmofriends.com/forum/Smileys/classic/wink.gif)
I think one of the big things I would like to see from Playmobil are figures based on American historical figures. Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, Harriet Tubman? Benjamin Franklin? Perhaps the Wright Brothers with their early prototype aeroplane? I don't suppose those would interest my European Playmofriends? Perhaps I may have to settle for Levi Strauss.