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Debate on iconic wizard of oz scene: what did the witch say?

Debate Heats Up | Did the Wicked Witch Actually Say 'Fly My Pretties'?

By

Naomi Chen

Jul 12, 2025, 10:56 AM

Edited By

Adrian Cline

Updated

Jul 13, 2025, 05:54 AM

2 minutes of reading

The Wicked Witch of the West commanding flying monkeys in a classic scene from Wizard of Oz.

A swell of online chatter has reignited a spirited debate over a beloved quote from The Wizard of Oz. Fans are split on whether the Wicked Witch of the West commands "fly my pretties" or simply repeats "fly, fly, fly" during a pivotal scene involving her winged monkeys.

Insights from Fans and New Perspectives

The discussion kicked off from a post highlighting how the memories of a family, spanning generations, clash with modern versions of the film. A participant remarked, "I swear on everything it isnโ€™t โ€˜fly, fly, flyโ€™ even my grandad insists itโ€™s โ€˜fly my pretties.โ€™" This strong assertion echoes similar sentiments shared by many who claim ownership of the nostalgic version.

Some commenters reflect on how pop culture has influenced their recollections. One user noted, "Many influencers creating paraphernalia completely polluted the memory pool", emphasizing how external sources can distort original lines.

Memory Mix-Ups and Misquotes

Three prominent themes emerge from the chatter:

  • Cultural Influence: Many fans acknowledge the impact of other podcasts, shows, and memes in shaping their memories. One user linked the confusion to Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, stating, "Youโ€™re most likely just misremembering it from Mr Burnsโ€™ scene."

  • Common Misquotes: This situation isnโ€™t unique. People frequently mix up lines from various popular culture references. A commenter noted, "Very common mistakelike โ€˜Luke, I am your fatherโ€™ we just donโ€™t remember the quotes verbatim." This indicates a widespread trend of memory mishaps linked to famous quotes.

  • Visual Associations: Another perspective surfaced about how the imagery in the film connects to the misunderstandings. One pointed out, "I never thought it was 'fly my pretties.' The monkeys are scary, definitely not pretty. Itโ€™s Dorothy she refers to as 'my pretty.'" This highlights how visual context influences memories jointed with quotations.

Reflecting on the Impact

"This sets off a wave of nostalgia for many."

These conversations blend personal experiences with broader themes surrounding cultural memory. Fans enthusiastically revisit their memories, oscillating between certainty and confusion about the film's original dialogue.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Many memories seem to conflate various media influences on the quote.

  • ๐Ÿ”น A large portion of fans assert their nostalgic recollections about the Wicked Witchโ€™s lines.

  • ๐Ÿ”บ "Fly my pretties" continues to resonate with many, despite modern versions.

As the debate rolls on, it might serve as a launchpad for renewed interest in the film, leading many to dive back into The Wizard of Oz. Curiosity is driving fans to check streaming services and old DVDs to settle the dispute.

Wrapping Up the Controversy

What remains clear is that this ongoing dialogue reflects not just individual memories but also a collective narrative shaped by diverse experiences. Just as the lasting impact of classics fuels contemporary conversations, fans will likely continue to explore these beloved lines, stirred by personal attachments and the swift currents of cultural references that define our perceptions.