Featured in the sepia-toned opening minutes of 1939’s The Wizard of OZ the song “Over the Rainbow” is officially the greatest song of the 20th century — at least according to a 2001 survey by the Recording Industry Association of America. But for a song so beloved in the 85 years since its debut, it’s shocking to discover that Judy Garland’s legendary ballad was almost cut from the film. While considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made, The Wizard of Oz experienced a famously cursed production, involving several directorial changes, dangerous stunt work, and more. After filming finally wrapped in 1939, MGM producers realized that the “curse” wasn’t lifted — the movie was a full half-hour too long. So top brass started cutting scenes including whole dance numbers and even entire reprisals of “Over the Rainbow.” Still not satisfied with the running time, the executives even cut Dorothy’s original ballad in a June 16, 1939, preview of the film. Incensed by the decision, associate producer Arthur Freed told studio head L.B. Mayer, “The song stays — or I go.” Mayer relented, and “Over the Rainbow” went on to delight audiences for nearly a century.
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