ACtually, Sage, the Times reported this A.M. that Buddy was originally supposed to be the Scarecrow (perfect for a loose-limbed hoofer), but Ray Bolger moved in and took over that role, prompting Buddy's switch to the Tin Man. The allergy to the aluminum makeup forced him out of the cast entirely, and he was replaced as the Tin Man by Jack Haley. Bert Lahr played the Lion.

Also, to Ebsen's credit, he told MGM exec Louis Mayer to shove it when Mayer offered him a $2000-a-week contract that would have given the studio total artistic control over Ebsen's work. It cost him in the short term, but as well we know, he bounced back with aplomb on TV. We'll miss ya, Buddy/Georgie/Jed/Barnaby.

Pobby