In a scene cut from the final version of The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland’s Dorothy Gale sings an a cappella reprise of “Over the Rainbow” while held prisoner in the witch’s castle. “She breaks down and cries because she wants to go home,” reveals film expert William Stillman, who explains that Judy’s haunting performance deeply affected the crew capturing her singing. “Some of them had to walk off the set so their sobs wouldn’t be picked up on the recording,” he says. “It was just so heartfelt.”
Judy’s career spanned five decades and some 40 films, but she would always be most closely identified with 1939’s The Wizard of Oz and its theme song, “Over the Rainbow.” “It has always been my song,” said Judy, who never grew bored singing the tune. “It’s like getting tired of breathing. The whole premise of the song is a question. It represents everyone’s wondering why things can’t be a little better.”
Judy was signed by MGM Studios at age 13, but it was her role in The Wizard of Oz three years later that propelled her from contract player to star. “It was MGM’s most expensive production to date,” explains Stillman, co-author of The Road to Oz: The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece. “She was surrounded by a veteran cast of seasoned comedians and dancers, but she was the center of attention." The producers even presented Judy with her own custom dressing room on the set.
Denne historien er fra April 01, 2024-utgaven av Closer US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 01, 2024-utgaven av Closer US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
HIS AMAZING Life Story
THE BELOVED HOLLYWOOD SQUARES HOST NEVER EXPECTED TO FIND SUCCESS ON A GAME SHOW
Dating AFTER DIVORCE
THE OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS IS ENJOYING A NEW ROMANCE
Our Love Keeps Getting Stronger
BALANCING MARRIAGE WITH CAREERS, PARENTHOOD AND FAME HAS BEEN TOUGH-BUT WORTH IT!
I'M SO Blessed
The Happy Days alum shares memories, life lessons and the scoop on his new movie
Open Up About Their Friendship & New Show
MIA FARROW & PATTI LUPONE
5 SIMPLE WAYS TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY AND PREVENT ILLNESS
Shirley Temple How She Won Hearts BUT LOST EVERYTHING
THE MILLIONS SHE EARNED AS A CHILD VANISHED BEFORE HER 22ND BIRTHDAY
DIANA RIGG Always Ahead of Her Time
THE STAR OF TV'S THE AVENGERS FOUGHT SEXISM AND REVELED IN EVERY KIND OF ACTING ROLE
HALLE BERRY FIGHTING for My Family
THE OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS WANTS HER TWO CHILDREN TO BE WELL PREPARED FOR BRIGHT FUTURES
Memories of My Father, LAURENCE OLIVIER
IN HIS LATER YEARS, THE GREAT BRITISH ACTOR EMBRACED A SIMPLER LIFESTYLE