Dorothy - Wizard of Oz - Par-T-Mask - Einson Freeman Co. Paper Mask (1939)

Step back to 1939, the year MGM’s The Wizard of Oz forever cemented itself in Hollywood history. This original Dorothy mask, produced by the Einson Freeman Company as part of their Par-T-Mask line, was issued to coincide with the film’s release. Licensed by Loews Incorporated, the mask captures the wholesome, hopeful charm of Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy Gale — complete with her signature bow and gentle smile.

These masks were handed out at movie theaters and promotional events, allowing children to “step into Oz” and embody their favorite characters. Ephemeral by nature, most were worn, torn, and discarded, making authentic surviving examples a true rarity nearly a century later. Dorothy is considered one of the keystone masks of the set, representing the heart of the Oz story — the Kansas farm girl whose wish to return home gave us the immortal line, “There’s no place like home.”

This piece represents more than a mask; it’s a tangible connection to the premiere of one of cinema’s greatest achievements, blending advertising ingenuity with Hollywood magic. For collectors of early film memorabilia and Oz ephemera, few items are as iconic.

Date: 1939
Maker: Einson Freeman Co. – Par-T-Mask series
Promotion: MGM’s The Wizard of Oz (Loews Incorporated)
Size: approx. 7.5" x 9.5"
Rarity: Highly collectible, cornerstone of any Wizard of Oz mask set