The Wizard of Oz

The Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), "The Wizard of Oz" (1939)
If you're old enough to remember pre-cable days, you may recall those thrilling childhood moments when "The Wizard of Oz" came on TV. Excited to watch the movie, you would always think you were prepared. ... moreSure, it starts out rather innocent, albeit a little scary but lovely (especially when Judy Garland's Dorothy sings the beautiful, iconic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"), but then ... that witch shows up. Long considered one of the most, if not the most, horrifying visions of our youth, Margaret Hamilton's enduring, green-faced Wicked Witch of the West was like a nightmare come to life. (How many of you hid behind couches when she appeared? Fess up.) And truly, Hamilton's witch was a nightmare because (spoiler alert ... but, please, you've all seen this movie) sweet little Dorothy was, yes, dreaming about her memorable exile to Oz. Dream or no dream, when Miss Witch hissed, "I'll get you my pretty -- and your little dog, too!" or unleashed her horrific flying monkeys on the kind Kansas girl -- kids, adults, animals and any other living thing were sufficiently freaked out. And no one has touched that gleeful, evil cackle. (Everett Collection)