The Singer Midgets were not so named because they could sing (most of
them in
Le magicien d'Oz (1939) had to be dubbed), but because they were
organized and managed by Viennese-born impresario
Leo Singer (1877 -
1951). The troupe of about 20 (on the average) little people was a
popular vaudeville attraction in the first half of the 20th century,
with many more members being added to the troupe for "Wizard." For many
of these, most notably
Billy Curtis and
Jerry Maren, the film would be
the beginning of long, successful Hollywood careers.
