The Wiz is a 1978 American musical contemporary fantasy film directed by Sidney Lumet. Adapted from the 1974 Broadway musical, the film reimagines the classic 1900 children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum with an African-American cast. Dorothy Gale, a 24-year-old teacher from Harlem, is transported to the magical urban-fantasy Land of Oz. While on an adventure in order to seek help from the Wiz, Dorothy encounters a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, a Cowardly Lion and a Wicked Witch.