Twentieth Century-Fox made the film as an answer to MGM's "The Wizard of Oz". There is a myth that Shirley Temple was to be cast in "Oz"; however this is mostly untrue. She was considered, but only very briefly. Executives at MGM wanted Temple because she was a proven box office draw. Arthur Freed, an uncredited producer on "Oz", wanted the role to go to rising child star Judy Garland. When producers listened to Temple, they were unimpressed with her vocal talents, and even if they were ready to offer the role Fox refused to loan her out. When "Oz" was a success, and shot Judy Garland to fame, Fox decided to create their own fantasy feature using Shirley Temple. They chose the fantasy play by Maurice Maeterlinck.