Behind The Scenes Secrets: The Wizard Of Oz

Singing Over The Rainbow

“Over the Rainbow” became a song synonymous withThe Wizard Of Ozbut was almost cut from the film. MGM studio thought that it stretched the entire Kansas segment too long. The studio also thought that the whole song intention would go over the heads of the kids watching the film.

Dorothy is seen singing the song while in the Kansas barnyard, and the studio apparently felt the location was “degrading.” They ended up shooting another version in which Dorothy was imprisoned in the Witch’s castle while reminiscing over Kansas. While filming this version Dorothy and the crew became emotional because the song was so melancholy. The first version ended up making the cut for the film.