Finding Dorothy

In the earlier timeline, Maud returns to Cornell after Christmas, avoiding conversations with Josie about Frank. She devotes herself to her studies, but she feels more alone than ever. Gossip abounds at the school, and she sits in the center of the rumors. One winter night, she attends a suffrage meeting where her mother will give a speech. Male students interrupt the speech by marching in with brooms—they imitate Maud during the night of the séance. Meanwhile, a man sitting behind Maud stares at her; when she confronts him, she finds Frank.

They leave the auditorium and talk privately. Maud assures him she wants to see him, but her mother insists on academics and a diploma. He disagrees, but understands. She assures him she will talk to her mother and try to convince her to let him call.

During the Easter holiday, she talks to her mother again about Frank. Matilda catches Maud off guard by asking her what she likes about Frank; Maud responds that she likes his eyes. Seeing that Maud’s affection is genuine, she agrees to let Frank call, but Maud must keep her focus on getting a diploma.

In the later timeline, Judy goes to her dressing room trailer to prepare for the next scene while Maud roams the lot. While Maud walks, she runs into Mr. Bolger, who plays the Scarecrow. She appreciates his comedy and insight that people with diplomas and formal education are not always smarter than people without diplomas. She, in turn, asks him to watch over Judy and ensure she is safe on set—he agrees, though he insists everyone loves the girl.

In the earlier timeline, Frank invites the Gage family to see his show and gives them free tickets. Maud’s father hears how much the tickets cost—$5.50. He approves of Frank’s business when he does the math to calculate Frank’s income based on the number of seats.

From their seats, the props on stage look real, and the show comes alive. After the show ends, they all go backstage, and Maud gets to see behind the curtain—structures that look real to the audience now show their true nature.

After the performance, Frank becomes a regular visitor to the Gage household. Maud tries to suppress her feelings for him so her mother doesn’t change her mind about their being together, but Julia can tell. The two spend a lot of time under the unwatchful eye of her mother, until one day when she and Frank sneak away to spend time together alone at Frank’s childhood home—a home where he describes an imagined world that will contribute details to the future Oz. They share a kiss and return to the Gage house; Maud’s mother does not notice they are gone.

Though she fears Frank will despise her independence, he continues to visit, ending one visit with a marriage proposal. They discuss what each might have to give up for them to marry; neither wants the other to give up on their dreams. Maud goes to talk to her mother about the proposal. Her mother is initially outraged that Maud plans to give up on the diploma. However, she comes around when she sees Maud’s determination and understands that a diploma isn’t what her daughter desires. She blesses the union, and Maud and Frank marry.

In the earlier timeline, Maud quickly adapts to life on the road, traveling with Frank and the Baum Theatre Company. They spend days working on the productions and nights in each other’s arms. They have their first fight several months after the wedding: Frank enjoys the imagery of Julia’s adventures in Dakota while Maud worries for her sister. The real fear that Maud doesn’t vocalize is that their own traveling days are numbered.

Maud tells Frank that she’s pregnant. She’s worried, but he’s excited and starts planning how they’ll care for Maud and the baby. She insists they keep traveling because they need the money, but her illnesses and the company’s continuing to not break even make that impossible. Despite their reluctance, Frank and Maud say their goodbyes to the Baum Theatre Company and take a train to Syracuse.

In the later timeline, back on the MGM Studios lot, Maud returns to sound stage 27 and tries to get her hands on a script for the film so she can see if it retains the spirit of the book. The scriptwriter can’t give her a copy, and she steals one from the set. Before she can escape with it, she catches Judy Garland wearing the Wizard’s coat—the coat believed to belong to L. Frank Baum. Judy apologizes and flees the scene, taking the stolen script with her. When Maud reflects on the situation, she realizes her priorities have been backward: She should focus on helping Judy rather than protecting her husband’s book.