In a fascinating and rarely discussed moment, Judy Garland’s character, Dorothy Gale, was filmed singing an emotional a cappella reprise of "Over the Rainbow" while imprisoned in the Wicked Witch’s castle. This scene, unfortunately, never made it into the final cut of "The Wizard of Oz." But according to film historian William Stillman, this deleted scene captures a deeply moving performance that left the crew in tears. "Judy Garland broke down and cried, longing for home," Stillman shares. "It was so heartfelt that some crew members had to leave the set so their cries wouldn’t ruin the recording."
Spanning five decades and starring in over 40 films, Judy Garland’s legacy is forever tied to her 1939 role in "The Wizard of Oz" and its iconic theme song, "Over the Rainbow." As she once put it, "It has always been my song. Singing it never gets old—it’s like getting tired of breathing. The song poses a universal question: why can’t life be a little better? It resonates with everyone." Garland's performance wasn't just about talent; it was a raw expression of longing and hope that struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Judy Garland’s journey to becoming a Hollywood star began at the tender age of 13 when she was signed by MGM Studios. However, it wasn’t until three years later, with her role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," that she truly stepped into the spotlight. "This 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. "Judy was surrounded by seasoned comedians and dancers, yet she was the undeniable star." To mark her importance, the producers even gave her a custom dressing room on set.
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The weight of expectations rested heavily on Judy’s shoulders. "When I was first told I’d be playing Dorothy in Wizard of Oz, with a budget set at $3 million, I knew my entire future depended on how convincingly I portrayed her," Garland once said. Alongside the demands of being a singer, actor, and dancer, studio executives pushed for her to lose weight for the role. "They assigned her a personal trainer," Stillman reveals, "who monitored her diet and exercise both on and off the set. Judy often felt like an ugly duckling compared to MGM’s glamorous stars like Lana Turner and Elizabeth Taylor. She said, 'It didn’t occur to anyone that I might have feelings.'"
A Ray of Kindness Amid the Pressure
Thankfully, Judy found allies in her fellow cast members. Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, extended a hand of friendship by inviting her young co-star to tea. "Judy was under immense pressure," says Margaret’s son, Hamilton Meserve, in an exclusive interview with Closer. "Being isolated on set for long periods wasn’t good for her." Despite the absurdity of enjoying tea with the Wicked Witch in costume, Judy cherished Margaret’s kindness. "She recalled that because of the heat, some of Margaret’s green makeup ran, tinting the crumpets she served," Stillman adds with a smile.
The camaraderie extended beyond Margaret. Vaudeville veterans Ray Bolger (the Scarecrow), Bert Lahr (the Cowardly Lion), and Jack Haley (the Tin Man) all fell under Judy’s charm. "There was a special bond among the three men. They’d share stories or tell dirty jokes, and Judy would eavesdrop," Stillman says. "They’d tease her to go away, but deep down, they all adored her—finding her adorable, charming, and well-mannered."
Judy also formed a special bond with Toto, the loyal dog who played her companion. "She spent time bonding with him and even sketched him in pastels," Stillman shares. "Judy had a knack for arts and crafts, knitting a sweater for a crew member’s newborn baby." These small acts of kindness highlight the warmth and humanity she brought to the set.
