Under the Rainbow

Under the Rainbow is a 1981 American comedy film directed by Steve Rash and starring Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher, Eve Arden, and Billy Barty. The plot is loosely based on the gathering of little people in a Hollywood hotel, to audition for roles as Munchkins in the film The Wizard of Oz. Jerry Maren, who played the small role of Smokey in this film, previously played a member of the Lollipop Guild in The Wizard of Oz. The film was nominated for Razzie Awards for Worst Musical Score by Joe Renzetti, and Worst Supporting Actor (Billy Barty). It received extremely negative reviews, many of which condemned the various sight gags involving the little people. The production marked the first film role of several dwarf actors, including Phil Fondacaro and Debbie Lee Carrington. It was partially filmed on location at the Culver Hotel, where the actors playing Munchkins stayed during the production of The Wizard of Oz.