General Jinjur
A promotional portrait of Gloria DeHaven as General Jinjur in The Land of Oz (1941), showcasing the distinctive emerald-accented military uniformGeneral Jinjur is a fictional military leader and revolutionary figure who appears as one of the primary antagonists in MGM's 1941 film The Land of Oz. Portrayed by actress Gloria DeHaven in her breakthrough role, General Jinjur leads an all-female military force known as the Army of Revolt in an attempted coup against the Emerald City. The character was adapted from L. Frank Baum's second Oz novel, The Marvelous Land of Oz, though her role was significantly expanded for the film to create a more complex antagonist who serves as a foil to both Dorothy Gale and Princess Ozma.
Character Background
In the film's narrative, General Jinjur is introduced as a charismatic military leader who has assembled an army of young women dissatisfied with the male-dominated power structure of Oz. Her character's backstory, created specifically for the film, establishes her as a former servant in the Emerald City who rose through the ranks of Mombi's supporters. The film portrays her as an intelligent strategist who believes that Oz should be ruled by women, though her alliance with Mombi ultimately proves to be one of convenience rather than true loyalty.
Jinjur's military expertise is demonstrated through her innovative battle tactics, which combine traditional warfare with magical elements unique to Oz. Her army utilizes enchanted knitting needles as weapons and employs sophisticated military formations that were choreographed by renowned dance director Busby Berkeley for the film's elaborate battle sequences.
The Army of Revolt
The Army of Revolt performs their signature military parade in a scene that combined precision drilling with musical choreographyThe Army of Revolt, under General Jinjur's command, represents one of the most ambitious military sequences filmed for a fantasy movie of the 1940s. The army's distinctive uniforms, designed by Adrian Greenberg, featured a combination of traditional military elements with feminine details, including emerald-studded buttons and specially designed caps that would become influential in later fantasy costume design.
The film's portrayal of the Army of Revolt was controversial for its time, presenting a complex examination of gender roles and military authority. While some contemporary critics viewed the all-female army as potentially subversive, particularly given the film's release just prior to America's entry into World War II, others praised its progressive depiction of female empowerment and military capability.
Musical Influence
One of the most memorable aspects of General Jinjur's character is her signature song "General Jinjur's March," composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. The martial tune, which serves as both a military anthem and a statement of feminine independence, became a minor hit in its own right. The song's complex arrangement incorporated elements of traditional military marches with more contemporary musical styles, creating a unique sound that influenced later fantasy film scores.
Character Development
Throughout the film, General Jinjur's character undergoes significant development, particularly in her relationship with Princess Ozma. The revelation of Ozma's true identity as the transformed Tip creates a moral conflict for Jinjur, who must reconcile her belief in female leadership with her loyalty to Mombi's regime. This internal struggle culminates in a pivotal scene where Jinjur must choose between maintaining her grip on power and acknowledging Ozma's legitimate claim to the throne.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
General Jinjur's character has had a lasting influence on fantasy film and literature, particularly in the portrayal of female military leaders and complex antagonists. The character's combination of military prowess, political conviction, and moral ambiguity was unprecedented for a family film of the 1940s. Her influence can be seen in numerous subsequent works, including various retellings of the Oz stories and other fantasy narratives featuring female military leaders.
The costume and set designs associated with General Jinjur and her Army of Revolt have been particularly influential in fantasy filmmaking. The distinctive military uniforms, which balanced martial authority with feminine elements, established a new aesthetic for fantasy military costumes that continues to influence designers today. Several pieces from the original production, including Jinjur's command uniform and ceremonial sword, are now preserved in the Smithsonian's American Entertainment Collection.
Modern Interpretation
Contemporary analysis of General Jinjur's character often focuses on the progressive elements of her portrayal, particularly in the context of 1940s cinema. Film historians have noted how the character challenged traditional gender roles while avoiding many of the stereotypical villainous female tropes common in films of the era. The complexity of her motivations and the legitimate grievances underlying her rebellion have led to numerous academic studies examining the character's significance in both feminist film theory and children's literature.
See Also
- The Land of Oz (1941 film)
- The Marvelous Land of Oz
- Ozian Military History
- Women in Fantasy Cinema
References
- The Making of The Land of Oz: A Technical History
- MGM's Fantasy Film Legacy
- Adrian Greenberg's Costume Design Archives
- The Music of Oz: From Kansas to the Emerald City