Backstage Secrets of the Wizard of Oz

“Over the Rainbow” Was Almost Cut from the Film

“Over the Rainbow” is one of the most iconic songs of all time. Despite everyone knowing the song now, it almost didn’t exist as we know it. Originally, The Wizard of Oz was two hours long! Producers needed to cut out at least 20 minutes to keep it at a normal length. Initially, producers cut “Over the Rainbow.”

Judy Garland sings in a recording session for “The Wizard of Oz,” which features what became her signature song, “Over the Rainbow.”

Source: loc.gov

Their logic was to cut the black and white scenes. They thought that younger viewers might not understand the message of the song. Obviously, they turned out to be very wrong. The producers ultimately kept the version of Dorothy singing in Kansas. Instead, they took out the reprised version when Dorothy was held Captive by the Wicked Witch of the West.