Cowardly Lion cashing in

While Toto earned an impressive sum for a dog, Bert Lahr made considerably more for his performance as the Cowardly Lion.

He signed on for a salary of $2,500 a week, with a contract guaranteeing at least five weeks of work.

But with the production stretching to an exhausting 26 weeks, Lahr ended up earning far more than he expected.

Meanwhile, Tin Man actor Jack Haley and Scarecrow actor Ray Bolger were paid even higher wages, each receiving $3,000 a week.