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The Rainbow Has It All, Really
There are some movies that can instantly transport you to a different time and place. Call it nostalgia or whatever you want, but when a movie has that power, it just has it. For me, “Under the Rainbow” is one of those movies.
A Brief Overview of the Storyline
The movie takes place in 1939, during the filming of “The Wizard of Oz”. At the same time, a group of little people are staying at a hotel nearby. Chaos ensues when various groups and individuals converge on the hotel for different reasons.
Fact vs. Fiction
The biggest question when watching any historical fiction movie is always: how much of this is real? In the case of “Under the Rainbow”, there definitely was a group of little people who were hired to play Munchkins in “The Wizard of Oz”. However, most of what happens in the movie is pure fiction.
The Casts and Characters
One thing that makes this movie so enjoyable for me is its incredible cast. Chevy Chase stars as Bruce Thorpe, who’s in charge of keeping things under control at the hotel while all hell breaks loose. Carrie Fisher plays Annie Clark, a woman on her way to California who gets pulled into everything that’s happening at the hotel.
Then we have the little people, played by a group of actual little people actors. They’re all great, but Billy Barty as Otto is definitely a standout.
The Humor
“Under the Rainbow” is definitely a comedy, and it’s one that will make you laugh out loud. There are so many ridiculous situations and characters that it’s hard not to find something to giggle at. Sure, some of the humor might be a bit dated now, but for the most part, it still holds up today.
The Drama
But it’s not just all fun and games. There are some genuinely touching moments in this movie as well. For example, when one of the little people realizes he’ll never be able to live a normal life like everyone else, it’s heartbreaking.
The Criticism
Of course, no movie is perfect. Some have criticized “Under the Rainbow” for being too silly or even offensive in its portrayal of little people. And while I can certainly see where these criticisms are coming from — there are definitely moments that can be cringe-worthy — overall, I think the movie has its heart in the right place.
The Cinematography and Soundtrack
I’m not going to pretend like I’m an expert on cinematography or soundtracks or anything like that. But I will say that both of those aspects are pretty solid in this movie. The music does a great job of setting the tone, and the shots are all well-framed.
The Popularity
Despite the fact that “Under the Rainbow” wasn’t exactly a critical darling when it was released in 1981, it’s developed something of a cult following over the years. You’ll often see it listed as one of Chevy Chase’s more underrated movies or as an example of an obscure comedy gem.
My Final Evaluation
As I said at the beginning of this article, “Under the Rainbow” holds a special place in my heart. It’s funny, touching, and just so darn charming. But if you haven’t seen it before, I would recommend going in with an awareness that not everything about it has aged perfectly.
Overall, though? This movie is a delight. Watching it feels like stepping into a time machine and getting to experience all the wackiness and wonder of Hollywood’s golden age firsthand. And what could be better than that?