Under the Rainbow is a 1981 American comedy film directed by Steve Rash, starring Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher. It involves a disparate group of people checking into a Hollywood hotel during the production of The Wizard of Oz in 1938.
The supporting cast includes Eve Arden, Adam Arkin, Billy Barty, Robert Donner, Cork Hubbert, Joseph Maher, Mako, Patty Maloney, and Pat Mc Cormick.
It was released on July 31, 1981.
Tropes for the film:
- And You Were There: As the film is set during the making of The Wizard of Oz, Otto Kriegling, a Nazi Spy (complete with noticleable German accent) in the movie where it all turns out to be a dream that Rollo Sweet has after falling off a roof. After Rollo regains consciousness, a Hollywood agent played by the same actor shows up to recruit for The Wizard of Oz, now with an All-American accent.
- Crashing Through the Harem: A Chase Scene goes through a women's dressing room, providing opportunity for some fanservice. One of the little people sticks around rather than continuing the chase.
- Japanese Ranguage: Otto is supposed to meet with a Japanese spy using the code phrase, "The Pearl is in the river." When a Japanese visitor tries to help an old lady whose necklace broke and her pearls fell into her dinner plate, the businessman tells her, "The pearl is in the river (liver)." Naturally, Otto mistakes him for the contact. Interestingly, the real Japanese spy pronounces the phrase correctly, confusing Otto.
- Locked in a Freezer: Bruce and Annie get trapped in this manner. For Annie, it's made worse by the fact that she's clad only in bra and panties (leading to a You Must Be Cold moment).
- Period Piece: Set during The Great Depression in 1938.
- Shameful Strip: Otto cuts Annie's dress off, leaving her in her underwear.
