Friday, June 11, 2010

Best Original Song - 1939

"Faithful & Forever" from Gulliver's Travels sung by Lanny Ross and Jessica Dragonette

Movie Synopsis: A traveler washes ashore a tiny kingdom and helps them in their wars.

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


"Wishing" from Love Affair sung by The Robert Mitchell Boy Choir

Movie Synopsis: A man and woman promise to meet sixth month later.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? She's a music teacher?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.


"I Poured My Heart into a Song" from Second Fiddle sung by Tyrone Power


Movie Synopsis: A studio publicist discovers a Minnesota skating teacher and takes her to Hollywood.

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.




"Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz sung by Judy Garland


Movie Synopsis: A young girl is transported to the magical land of Oz and tries to return by visiting the wizard.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it shows Dorothy's dissatisfaction with her poor provincial farm life.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.




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So what won?
"Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz




What would I have voted for?
"Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz
Oh, come on


Analysis
First of all, "Over the Rainbow" is like the quintessential movie song, so it totally deserves to win this award. Secondly, this crop of 4 songs is so weak. In 1938, there were 10 nominees and in 1940, there were 9. So what's up 1939? Did everyone else get scared in the awesome wake of "Over the Rainbow"? That's my analysis. Also interestingly enough, "Faithful & Forever" is the first song from an animated feature to be nominated in the category. (None for Snow White!)

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