The song that was deleted from the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was "The Jitterbug." This musical number was cut from the final theatrical release to improve the film's pacing.
The Deleted Musical Sequence
"The Jitterbug" was intended to be a vibrant and crucial scene in the film, occurring just before Dorothy and her companions arrive at the Wicked Witch of the West's castle. Its removal is a notable instance of how creative decisions can reshape a cinematic masterpiece.
- Scene Context: In the deleted sequence, the Wicked Witch of the West would have sent a swarm of "jitterbugs" – magical insects – to attack Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. The spell cast by these bugs would compel the group to dance uncontrollably, momentarily incapacitating them and allowing the Witch's Winkie Guards to capture Dorothy.
- Performers: The scene would have featured the main cast, including Judy Garland as Dorothy, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, and Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, all performing a lively jitterbug dance.
Why "The Jitterbug" Was Cut
The decision to remove "The Jitterbug" was primarily a strategic choice to maintain the film's narrative momentum.
- Pacing Concerns: Producers and directors felt that the song, while entertaining, interrupted the escalating tension leading up to the climax at the Witch's castle. The film was already quite long for its time, and trimming sequences was common to ensure a smooth flow.
- Audience Comprehension: There was also concern that audiences of the era might not fully grasp the concept of the "jitterbug" or its magical implications, potentially confusing the narrative.
Legacy of a Lost Scene
Despite its deletion, "The Jitterbug" remains a fascinating part of The Wizard of Oz's production history.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Song Title | The Jitterbug |
| Composer | Harold Arlen (Music), E.Y. Harburg (Lyrics) |
| Intended Location | Before the arrival at the Wicked Witch of the West's castle |
| Reason for Deletion | Pacing and narrative flow |
| Status | Lost musical sequence (though glimpses exist) |
While the full sequence is considered lost, rare glimpses, including personal footage captured by composer Harold Arlen during production, have surfaced over the years. These brief peeks offer a unique insight into the choreography and visual style intended for the scene, showcasing the creative effort that went into every aspect of the film, even those that didn't make the final cut. The song itself, however, has been released on various soundtrack collections and can be heard outside the film.
The removal of "The Jitterbug" ultimately contributed to the tightly-paced and iconic structure of The Wizard of Oz, ensuring that the audience's journey with Dorothy remained compelling from start to finish.
