I've been in the mood for The Wizard of Oz lately, and last week I ran across this video. I've seen it before (I'm pretty sure it's on my DVD), but I always love to see it. This includes the Scarecrow dancing and leaping and being bowled over by a large pumpkin, and it's something I wish they'd never cut out of the film. The Scarecrow is my favorite character, in both book and movie, and Ray Bolger's performance is just so spot-on perfect (I don't think there could have been any better actor for this role in the late thirties--no one even comes close to the amazing job Bolger did). And the Tin Man got to dance, why not the Scarecrow?
Anyway, this is a wonderful scene, a wonderful song, and a wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Song of the Week: "If I Only Had a Brain"
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5 comments:
I've seen it suggested that the extended dance scene was cut because it relied more on movie tricks than on Bolger's actual dancing talent. No idea if there's anything to that.
That seems like a weird justification for it, considering how much of the movie depends on movie tricks.
I suppose it may also have to do with the fact that the song is essentially the same in the three intros (Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion) and it might get tired if it went on too long. I must also say that I always loved the stiff Tin Man dance.
I guess it's the Lion who got screwed over the most as far as his introductory song goes, since his ended up with only two verses. A bridge and third verse were written, but I don't believe they were ever filmed. That was probably because he had another solo number in "If I Were King of the Forest," though.
Roger: I can see that. I always loved the Tin Man dance, too, with him teetering from side to side. Tried so hard to do that as a kid.
Nathan: "If I Were King of the Forest" is a lot of fun, too. I think the Scarecrow may get less because he's with Dorothy the longest, so he makes the first impression, so maybe they felt like a bigger introduction to the other two.
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