Best Original Song - 1956

"Friendly Persuasion" from Friendly Persuasion sung by Pat Boone

Movie Synopsis: The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862.

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

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"True Love" from High Society sung by Bing Crosby and Niki Schenck

Movie Synopsis: The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862.

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

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Julie" from Julie sung by Doris Day

Movie Synopsis: A terrified wife tries to escape from her insanely jealous husband who is bent on killing her.

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

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" from The Man Who Knew Too Much sung by Doris Day

Movie Synopsis: A family vacationing in Morocco accidentally stumble on to an assassination plot and the conspirators are determined to prevent them from interfering.

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

Is it important to the plot? Yes, Doris Day plays it so her son knows she's there.

Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Written on the Wind" from Written on the Wind sung by The Four Aces

Movie Synopsis: Alcoholic playboy Kyle Hadley marries the woman secretly loved by his poor but hard-working best friend, who in turn is pursued by Kyle's nymphomaniac sister.

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

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

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So what won?
"Que Sera, Sera" from The Man Who Knew Too Much.

What would I have voted for?
"Que Sera, Sera" from The Man Who Knew Too Much.

This is a classic song that has remained memorable...at least I think. Even if the kitsch is the only thing keeping it in people's memories. The scene in the movie is very touching for some reason. This is a very rare occurrence when the song is vital to the plot.


Analysis
All the songs this year are pleasantly 50's. Even the songs from thrillers and psycho dramas. I find this very sweet and nostalgic. It's odd that all genres of film get the same kind of song.