Best Original Song - 1944

"Rio de Janeiro" from Brazil 

Movie Synopsis: A composer masquerading as twins, tries to win the hand of an anti-Latin novelist.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.

Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A.

"Long Ago and Far Away" from Cover Girl sung by Gene Kelly and Martha Mears

Movie Synopsis: A woman wins a contest and becomes a celebrated cover girl and endangers her romance with her dancing mentor.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? The couple falling in love.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"I'll Walk Alone" from Follow the Boys sung by Dinah Shore

Movie Synopsis: Universal Pictures' biggest stars perform skits and dance numbers.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)?I'm guessing yes.

Is it important to the plot? About as important as all the others.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Swinging on a Star" from Going My Way sung Bing Crosby

Movie Synopsis: A young priest and an old priest butt heads at their parish.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? Connecting with the youth.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night" from Higher and Higher sung by Frank Sinatra

Movie Synopsis: A conniving valet passes a maid off as his formerly rich employer's debutante daughter


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"Silver Shadows and Golden Dreams" from Lady, Let's Dance 

Movie Synopsis: An ice skater travels to a California resort and becomes a last minute replacement for a dancer.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.

Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A.

"The Trolley Song" from Meet Me in St. Louis sung by Judy Garland

Movie Synopsis: In the year before the 1904 St Louis World's Fair, the four Smith daughters learn lessons of life and love, even as they prepare for a reluctant move to New York.



Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? Yes.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"Remember Me to Carolina" from Minstrel Man sung by Benny Fields

Movie Synopsis: The story of a singer in a minstrel show, from his career highs to the tragedies in his personal life.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Too Much in Love" from Song of the Open Road sung by Jackie Moran

Movie Synopsis: A child film star, fed up with her every move being stage managed by her stage mother, runs away and joins the U.S. Crop Corps.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.

Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A.

"I'm Making Believe" from Sweet and Low-Down sung by Benny Goodman

Movie Synopsis: Benny Goodman's clarinet is stolen and hilarity ensues.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"Now I Know" from Up in Arms sung by Dinah Shore

Movie Synopsis: A hypochondriac gets drafted into the army and makes life miserable for his fellow GIs while in love with a girl in love with his best friend.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.

Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A.








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So what won?
"Swinging on a Star" from Going My Way

What would I have voted for?
"The Trolley Song" from Meet Me in St. Louis

It sticks out the best and is the most memorable of these songs.

Analysis
Eleven nominees this year. And only two of these songs are well known and remembered in 2010.