Deleted scene from Wizard of Oz

Also from Eric Zorn, we found this deleted scene from the Wizard of Oz. Probably wasn't released because it would mess up the timing on that whole Dark Side of the Moon thing.

The film originally contained an elaborate production number called “The Jitter Bug”, which cost $80,000 and took five weeks to shoot, only to be cut after the first preview. In the scene, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly lion, and the Tin Woodsman are on their way to the Witch's castle when they are attacked by “jitter bugs” - furry pink and blue mosquito-like “rascals” that give one “the jitters” as they buzz about in the air. When, after its preview, the movie was judged too long, MGM officials decided to sacrifice the “Jitter Bug” scene. The reasoned that it added little to the plot and, because a dance by the same name had just become popular, they feared it might date the picture.

The Witch still refers to the bug in the final film, just before telling the Monkeys to “Fly!” Only home movies of the filming of “The Jitterbug” survive, though the song is on current versions of both the soundtrack CD and the recent anniversary edition videotape. The sequence was also incorporated into a recent stage version of the musical.

If you want to know how Dorothy thwarted the Wicked Witch's 'dancing with the stars'-style plot, you can read the script for the scene here http://wendyswizardofoz.com

Video direct link here

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This page contains a single entry by Seth A. published on August 29, 2006 1:13 PM.

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