Best Original Song - 1940

"Down Argentine Way" from Down Argentine Way sung by Betty Grable and Don Ameche


Movie Synopsis: An American girl on vacation in Argentina falls for wealthy racehorse owner.


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

"Who Am I?" from Hit Parade of 1941 sung by Kenny Baker and Frances Langford 


Movie Synopsis: A small radio station is saved of getting bankrupt by a backer, who invests money for a TV equipment. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? The singer is being spied on. Maybe? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"It's a Blue World" from Music in My Heart sung by Tony Martin 


Movie Synopsis: Unknown.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know. 
Is it important to the plot? Ditto.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio sung by Cliff Richards


Movie Synopsis: A wooden puppet is guided by a cricket so he can become a real boy.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Establishes the theme.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Only Forever" from Rhythm on the River sung by Tony Martin 


Movie Synopsis: A lyricist and a musician join up after their other partner proves to be false. 


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

"Love of My Life" from Second Chorus sung by Fred Astaire


Movie Synopsis: When two college students are forced to make it on their own, the competitive pair get jobs with a band and reunite with their ex-manager.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Convincing the girl to like him?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Waltzing in the Clouds" from Spring Parade sung by Deanna Durbin


Movie Synopsis: Unknown


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yeah, she's waltzing with a guy...romance?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Our Love Affair" from Strike Up the Band sung by Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney


Movie Synopsis: Two high school friends want to compete in a band competition but lack the entry fee.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it shows the guy's ignorance for the girl's love for him.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"I'd Know You Anywhere" from You'll Find Out sung by Ginny Simms


Movie Synopsis: The manager of Kay Kyser's band books them for a birthday party bash for an heiress at a spooky mansion, where sinister forces try to kill her.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Just a performed song. Randomly.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.



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So what won?

"When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinnochio

What would I have voted for? 

"When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinnochio

I mean, come on!


Analysis

Out of nine songs, only one was above average! The rest were incredibly 40's forgettable. This is one time they definitely got is right. "When You..." is a wonderful movie song, which has become a de facto theme song for Disney in general. Against these songs, it would be a crime if it lost.