As a child, the first movie I ever remember watching was The Wizard of Oz. It came on network television once a year, and my mother made sure we all gathered around the family ‘console’ to watch. Judy Garland’s signature song, “Over the Rainbow” was written by Harold Arlen (music) and Yip Harburg (lyrics) specifically for The Wizard of Oz. It reflected Dorothy’s longing for a better, more magical place beyond the troubles of her Kansas farm life. Over the Rainbow is now considered one of the greatest movie songs ever. Yet, it was almost cut from the film.
[Featured image from yesterday morning’s walk to our gym, BARCH, in Richmond, UK.]
Why was Over the Rainbow almost cut from The Wizard of Oz?
- During the early screenings of The Wizard of Oz in 1939, the movie’s producers and studio executives were nervous about the film’s length and pacing. The film, especially with its whimsical tone and technical innovations, was a massive undertaking, and every minute counted.
- One of the suggestions was to cut “Over the Rainbow” because of concerns it slowed down the film’s pace. Executives believed children, the target audience, might get bored with such a slow, emotional ballad. There were also worries about Judy Garland (Dorothy) singing in a farmyard setting, which they feared could seem undignified.
- Fortunately, others on the production team, including director Victor Fleming and associate producer Arthur Freed, intensely fought to keep the song in the film. They believed it was crucial to understanding Dorothy’s emotional journey and her yearning to escape her mundane life. Their persistence paid off, and the song was reinstated.
- “Over the Rainbow” went on to become not only an iconic part of The Wizard of Oz but also a cultural touchstone. Judy Garland’s song rendition resonated with audiences, becoming her most beloved performance. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1940 and has since been named the greatest movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.
The fact that “Over the Rainbow” was almost cut is a reminder of how easily classic moments in film history can hinge on behind-the-scenes decisions. Today, it’s hard to imagine The Wizard of Oz without it!
Below is a deleted scene from The Wizard of Oz.
“While imprisoned by the Wicked Witch, Dorothy sings Over The Rainbow one more time and cries. Shot on set on October 17, 1938, this scene was cut during the previews of the movie partially due to time issues and because it was considered too intense for children at the time.”
Enjoy and shed a little tear if you would like. It is indeed intense, and even more so when you consider Judy Garland’s family upbringing.
Her family life was not a happy one, largely because of her mother’s drive for her to succeed as a performer and also her father’s closeted homosexuality. The Gumm family would regularly be forced to leave town owing to her father’s illicit affairs with other men, and from time to time they would be reduced to living out of their automobile. However, in September 1935 the Gumms’, in particular Ethel’s, prayers were answered when Frances was signed by Louis B. Mayer, mogul of leading film studio MGM, after hearing her sing. It was then that her name was changed from Frances Gumm to Judy Garland, after a popular ’30s song “Judy” and film critic Robert Garland.
Woman Power!
