Joseph Breen (October 14, 1888 - December 5, 1965) was a film censor with the Motion Picture Association whose office allowed The Wizard of Oz (1939) to be released. In accordance with the film code that was in place from 1932-1968, Louis B. Mayer had to send over the script and song lyrics to be approved which even included The Jitterbug.
In his report he said the script was "satisfactory" although he had a few suggestions:
- In shooting this picture, particularly the scenes with the bad witch, care should be taken to avoid an effect which is too frightening for children. Our experience has shown that such frightening scenes may be deleted by political censor boards, or issuance of a permit for adults only.
- A raspberry sound should not be used (unclear context)
- The word "sissy" will probably be deleted by the British Censor Board (possibly regarding Lion)
- The costume which is an exaggerated version of the Buckingham Palace guards will probably be deleted in England (the Winkies)
- The shouts of "fire" must be dropped (Presumably when the witch sets Scarecrow on fire, which could be misheard in a crowded threatre)
- A horrible or gruesome effect in the death of the witch must be avoided (per the melting sequence)
In the final review analysis sheet dated June 27, 1939, he put down "fantastic killing of witch" in a line item for "type of crime" in reference to those committed in a film although he listed the Wicked Witch as a criminal. He gave his approval to MGM on the 29th.