What is the ONLY musical number filmed for THE WIZARD OF OZ but cut from its final release print?
GOOD LUCK, Everybody!
The Jitterbug.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Glebb!!! You are ABSOLUTELY Correct!
YES, it was "The Jitter Bug" (spelled as two words in the film's song) that was cut from the movie.
WAY TO GO, Glebb!
Congratulations!!!
Now for your bonus points:
Please tell us WHY it was cut from the movie.
Damn you, Glebbie.
Rath? Jose?
AndyHardy will not be very proud of me.
NOW Rath, my Threads are for Trivia, NOT for Trivial disputes, and who knows, if Glebb can't answer, the bonus points may go up for grabs!
...I guess Glebb needs some assistance with the Bonus Points--so ANYONE may answer.
WHY was "The Jitter Bug" cut from the final print of THE WIZARD OF OZ?
No, please, let's let Mr. Smartypants get his bonus points.
*hmph*
Okay. Fine. Whatever.
Hint #1: Big Band.
They didn't dance the Jitter Bug in the Lincoln era?
ADORE the Icon, Marquise, but anybody care to venture a guess as to WHY "The Jitter Bug" was cut from THE WIZARD OF OZ?
Hint #2: Cab Calloway.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Liam is 100% correct!
After the 1st preview of TWOO, both "The Jitterbug" and "Over The Rainbow" were cut because they slowed the picture down.
"Rainbow" was inserted and cut and reinstated and cut and reinstated. No one regretted cutting "The Jitterbug."
And, evertime I've seen it referenced, even on contemporary recorded discs, it's spelled as one word.
José
why do I think it was something to do with racism?
Glebb, I'm starting to get a little worried here...
Maybe you should let your browser maneuver to:
http://www.partydirectory.com/dance/d099.htm
Someone please answer this....... the suspense is killing moi
Wasn't it because from the time they filmed it to the time it was ready for release, there actually was a song and dance called The Jitterbug?
M_E, I don't know the correct answer but I said that maybe the jitterbug was not danced in the Lincoln era. The dance did come much later, right? I am confused.
Liam and Jose', I appreciate the information; however--per "The World of Entertainment! The Arthur Freed Unit" ("The Jitter Bug"--(TWO Words) referred to a Bug that stung you and gave you the jitters.
The next time you watch THE WIZARD OF OZ, listen carefully to the scene with the Witch and the Winged Monkey. She states "I'll send an insect to take the bite out of them"--which they forget to remove from the print.
It is my understanding that the reason "The Jitter Bug" was removed is because by sheer coincidence, a new dance craze, "The Jitterbug" (developed by Cab Calloway) became HIGHLY popular during the height of the filming of THE WIZARD OF OZ and it was removed to avoid confusion.
The first time "The Jitter Bug" was performed as part of THE WIZARD OF OZ score was the Royal Shakespeare Production in London in 1980.
However, I understand, great moments in theatrical history are open to mutual interpretation so I will declare Glebb and Liam co-winners tonight!
And their prize?
Well, they live on a farm in Kansas, its all black and white, then a Tornado comes, they get whisked away to a magical place, and why am I telling you--you guys all know the story better than I do!
Enjoy what's left of your weekend, folks!!!
Did you just hear what I just heard?
That noise don't come from no ordinary bird!
LOVE The Jitterbug.
I just pulled out my Oz DVD to reference this cut scene (and also to see if there was any mention on why it was cut). No such luck all it said was that it took five weeks to rehearse and film and that it was cut after preview screenings (or something to that effect). I would guess Cab Calloway and his Band already had a hit with a song called "The Jitterbug"
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