Alternate versions

Contrary to popular belief, the film was not originally at 181 minutes, but rather 196 (3hrs. and 16mins.) at a post-premiere shown on August 8, 1954 in Huntington Park, California. After its second post-premiere - the very next day - two scenes of 15 minutes total were deleted; making the film run its original world debut length at 181 minutes. One was a number called "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street" that came after Judy's take of "I'll Get By" in the 'Born in the Trunk' sequence, the other was a scene where Garland and James Mason's characters (Vicki and Norman) were picnicking on the beach; production stills and promotional advertisements are the only thing left in existence of the footage. After its world premiere on September 29, 1954, 27 minutes was cut, bringing it down to a mediocre 154 time length. Those scenes were:

• 1) Esther quitting the band
• 2) The Trinidad Coconut Oil Shampoo
• 3) Esther working at a drive-in
• 4) Norman being driven away drunk in his car
• 5) Norman inquiring Esther's old landlady
• 6) Spotting Esther on the TV commercial
• 7) Tracking down Esther at her new boarding residence
• 8) Driving down the strip - Esther getting sick
• 9) "Here's What I'm Here For" musical number - Norman proposes
• 10) "Lose That Long Face" musical number - Vicki breaks down

In 1983 the film was restored to 176 minutes by Ron Haver. However, although all of the original soundtrack was available, some visual footage couldn't be found: the restored version resorts to a montage of stills, dialogue and music in place of the missing scenes. Director George Cukor died the day before the opening of the restored version.