Best Original Song - 1970

"Whistling Away the Dark" from Darling Lili sung by Julie Andrews

Movie Synopsis: A World War I version of Mata Hari.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Um...she's performing.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"For All We Know" from Lovers and Other Strangers sung by Larry Meredith

Movie Synopsis: A dysfunctional family reunites for a wedding.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? The importance of tradition.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Til Love Touches Your Life" from Madron sung by Richard Williams and Jan Daley

Movie Synopsis: A nun, the only survivor of an Indian massacre of a wagon train, is taken in by a cantankerous old gunfighter.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.

"Pieces of Dreams" from Pieces of Dreams sung by Peggy Lee

Movie Synopsis: A shocking love story (according to the tagline) that involves a priest.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Thank You Very Much" from Scrooge sung by Anton Rodgers, Albert Finney and Chorus

Movie Synopsis: A cantankerous, greedy man is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes...showing Scrooge's development.
Is it pleasing to the ear? D. (In the spirit of Oliver!...ugh.)



So what won?
"For All We Know" from Lovers and Other Strangers

What would I have voted for?
"For All We Know" from Lovers and Other Strangers

Give me a break. Like I'm not going to pick the Carpenters song.

Analysis
Overall, a meh year...although I do really like "Whistling Away the Dark". 1970 is very much an extension of the 60's, which is to be expected. "For All We Know" was an actual radio hit after the Carpenters covered it. Karen and Richard actually decided to record it after seeing Lovers and Other Strangers. After the song was nominated for the Oscars they weren't allowed to perform at the ceremony because they hadn't appeared in film that year (a now defunct Academy rule). But they got to perform the next year...so look forward to 1971!