Under the Rainbow

For the French film, see Under the Rainbow (2013 film). For the album by Carsten Dahl, Arild Andersen and Jon Christensen, see Under the Rainbow (album).
Under the Rainbow
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySteve Rash
Screenplay by
Story by
  • Fred Bauer
  • Pat Bradley
Produced byFred Bauer
Starring
CinematographyFrank Stanley
Edited byDavid Blewitt
Music byJoe Renzetti
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
  • July 31, 1981 (1981-07-31)
Running time
97 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$18 million[1]
Box office$18,826,490

Under the Rainbow is a 1981 American comedy film directed by Steve Rash and starring Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher, Eve Arden, and Billy Barty.[2] Set in 1938, the film's plot is loosely based on the gathering of little people in a Hollywood hotel to audition for roles as Munchkins in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Jerry Maren, who had a role as a Munchkin in the original film, also appears in Under the Rainbow. Filming locations include the original Culver Hotel, which was used by the Munchkins during the filming of The Wizard of Oz.

The film received widespread negative reception with critics due to its depiction of little people and use of sight gags involving them. Earning just $8.3 million during its initial run, the film is considered a box office flop. It was nominated for two Golden Raspberry Awards for Joe Renzetti and Billy Barty.

  1. ^ Harmetz, Aljean (September 9, 1981). "Hollywood Is Joyous over Its Record Grossing Summer". The New York Times. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  2. ^ Maslin, Janet (July 31, 1981). "Under the Rainbow (1981) Madcap 'Under the Rainbow'". The New York Times.