Q: Is it true that the producers of the movie "The Wizard of Oz" did not want Judy Garland to play the role of Dorothy? - H.J., Denton, Texas

A: According to several sources, MGM producers weren't sure whether Judy Garland could carry the movie, so they inquired about the availability of 11-year-old Shirley Temple. Her studio, Twentieth Century-Fox, refused to loan her out, persuading MGM to give Garland the role of Dorothy Gale - despite her advanced age of 17.

Q: I recently saw a picture of former New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau in the boxing ring. I recall Gastineau retired from football to be with his wife. What is Gastineau doing these days? - B.F.D., Bennington, Vt.

A: Marcus Dell Gastineau wore a New York Jets uniform from 1979 to 1988. He shocked the football world by announcing his retirement seven games into the 1988 season to spend time with model and actress Brigitte Nielsen, who was said to have health issues. Although engaged, the two never married. They had one son, Killian Marcus. Gastineau tried a comeback in the Canadian Football League in 1990, but got injured and was released after only four games. In 1991, he began a career as a professional boxer, compiling a 15-2 record before retiring in 1996. It was later revealed that several opponents had taken a dive. In later years, he experienced a series of run-ins with the law and spent nearly one year in prison. In 2001, Gastineau claimed to have a religious experience that turned his life around; he says his turbulent past is now behind him.

Q: Is it true that John Wayne actually appeared on the TV sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies"? - G.L.Z., Eau Claire, Wis.

A: John Wayne appeared as himself in the episode "The Indians Are Coming," which aired on Feb. 1, 1967. Story goes that he and Buddy Ebsen, who played Jed Clampett, were good friends, and Ebsen asked Wayne to appear on the show. The payment for his cameo appearance: a bottle of bourbon.