Best Original Song - 1993

"The Day I Fall in Love" from Beethoven's 2nd sung by Dolly Parton and James Ingram


Movie Synopsis: Beethoven the St. Bernard dog becomes a father, but his girlfriend Missy is dog-napped, and his puppies are in danger of the same fate.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? It establishes Beethoven and Missy missing each other.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"Philadelphia" from Philadelphia sung by Neil Young


Movie Synopsis: An attorney sues his firm for dismissing him for having AIDS.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know.
Is it important to the plot? Uhhh....It's depressing like the movie.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"Streets of Philadelphia" from Philadelphia sung by Bruce Springsteen


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? D.

"Again" from Poetic Justice sung by Janet Jackson


Movie Synopsis: A young woman turns to poetry after she loses her boyfriend.


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

"A Wink and a Smile" from Sleepless in Seattle sung by Harry Connick, Jr.


Movie Synopsis: A recently-widowed man's son calls a radio talk show in an attempt to find his father a partner.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? I don't think so. I don't even remember during which part of the movie it's in.
Is it pleasing to the ear? D+.

So what won?

"Streets of Philadelphia" from Philadelphia

 What would I have voted for? 

"The Day I Fall in Love" from Beethoven's 2nd

How could I not choose a love song that has the words "roll over Beethoven, come play with me" in it? Oh, this song is awful. But awful in an early 90's, power ballad sort of way. I'm surprised it was taken seriously at all.

Analysis

The songs from Philadelphia are awkwardly sandwiched between Disney's domination. They're both such depressing songs, which I suspect fit the movie perfectly. I also discovered that I really liked the song from Poetic Justice, which is also very 90's and sickly sweet.

Best Original Song - 1955

"Something's Gotta Give" from Daddy Long Legs sung by Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron

Movie Synopsis: A millionaire acts as a benefactor for an orphan and later falls in love with her.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I think. It's a musical.
Is it important to the plot? If it's the two of them confessing they're feelings, then yeah.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"Love is a Many-Splendored Thing" from Love is a Many-Splendored Thing sung by Chorus

Movie Synopsis: A widowed doctor of both Chinese and European descent falls in love with a married American correspondent in Hong Kong during China's Communist revolution.

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

"I'll Never Stop Loving You" from Love Me or Leave Me sung by Doris Day

Movie Synopsis: A fictionalized account of the career of jazz singer Ruth Etting and her tempestuous marriage to gangster Marty Snyder, who helped propel her to stardom.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it represents the sexual tension between Ruth and the piano player
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"(Love is) The Tender Trap" from The Tender Trap sung by Frank Sinatra

Movie Synopsis: A married man falls in love with a theater agent's girlfriend.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? My guess is opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Doubt it.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Unchained Melody" from Unchained sung by Todd Duncan

Movie Synopsis: A convict in a medium-security prison is torn between his need to finish out his sentence and get back to his wife and family, and his desire to escape the confines of prison

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Not sure.
Is it important to the plot? Practically nothing can be found on this movie!
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

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So what won?
"Love is a Many-Splendored Thing" from Love is a Many-Splendored Thing

What would I have voted for?
"Unchained Melody" from Unchained

I just love the song. And despite it coming from a forgotten movie, it has stood the test of time. Besides, most people associate it with Ghost...so, yeah.

Analysis
This was a pretty good year. I liked all of the songs for the most part. And I have no problem with "Love is..." winning. It's a very good song and probably deserved to win. Good year.

Best Original Song - 1987

"Shakedown" from Beverly Hills Cop II sung by Bob Seger 


Movie Synopsis: Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills to help Taggart and Rosewood investigate Chief Bogamil's near-fatal shooting and the series of "alphabet crimes" associated with it. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know...it seems possible. 
Is it important to the plot? Eh...? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? D+.


"Cry Freedom" from Cry Freedom sung by George Fenton and Jonas Gwangwa 


Movie Synopsis: South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend the black activist Steve Biko. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? Still don't know.
Is it pleasing to the ear? D.

"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing sung by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes 


Movie Synopsis: A girl on vacation at a resort in the Catskills falls in love with a dance instructor. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? It is the soundtrack for the final, climactic dance. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" from Mannequin sung by Starship 


Movie Synopsis: A man falls in love with a mannequin who comes to life only when they're alone. (No, I'm not kidding). 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? Um...it's probably played during some montage or something. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"Storybook Love" from The Princess Bride sung by Willy DeVille 


Movie Synopsis: A woman, engaged to an evil prince, is rescued by her lover long thought dead. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits and as score. 
Is it important to the plot? No 
Is it pleasing to the ear? D-.

So what won?

"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing

What would I have voted for?
  "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing  

Even though I like Mannequin's song more, this one is more important to the overall film. Dirty Dancing gets it.


Analysis

Oh the 80's. What a weird mix. In the midst of these pop songs, they tried to be profound with "Cry Freedom. Tsk, tsk, tsk. On what planet would that song win? Well, I guess this one if it was the 2000's.

Best Original Song - 1936

"I've Got You Under My Skin" from Born to Dance sung by Virginia Bruce 


Movie Synopsis: A man is caught between a Broadway star and an aspiring dancer.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I'm pretty sure it does. 
Is it important to the plot? Maybe? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Pennies From Heaven" from Pennies From Heaven sung by Bing Crosby 


Movie Synopsis: A man helps a fellow inmate with the family of his victim. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? He sings it to the little girl, so maybe he's making her feel better? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? D.

"When Did You Leave Heaven?" from Sing, Baby, Sing sung by Tony Martin 


Movie Synopsis: A nightclub singer's agent puts her into situations designed to advance her career. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? This guy sings it on a radio show...I don't know if he's important. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.

"Did I Remember (To Tell You I Adore You)" from Suzy sung by Virginia Verrill and Cary Grant 


Movie Synopsis: The story of an American showgirl who marries an Irishman who is later murdered. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. A couple times. 
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it hooks her up with Cary Grant. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time sung by Fred Astaire 


Movie Synopsis: A performer and gambler travels to New York City to raise the $25,000 he needs to marry his fiancée, only to become entangled with a beautiful aspiring dancer. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. Many times according to IMDd.
Is it important to the plot? Yes. It's actually a very sweet moment. Fred plays it at the piano, while Ginger is so overwhelmed that she comes out to listen while her hair is still covered in shampoo. When she discovers it in the mirror, she runs off. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"A Melody From the Sky" from A Trail of the Lonesome Pine sung by Fuzzy Knight 


Movie Synopsis: A family feud, industrialization, and a stranger effects the life of an Appalachian family. 


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

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So what won?

"The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time

What would I have voted for?
"The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time

The song has truly stood the test of time. My personal attachment to it comes from My Best Friend's Wedding. After watching the clip of this song on Youtube, it just made me like it more and want to watch the whole movie! Well done, song. Well done.

Analysis

By 1936, I guess the Academy discovered they didn't have to limit themselves to just three songs. None (other than the winner) really stand out. It really is surprising that they didn't just pile on the nominees, considering how many more musicals there were at this time. I guess it took them a few years to figure that out.

Best Original Song - 1978

"Ready to Take a Chance Again" from Foul Play sung by Barry Manilow

Movie Synopsis: A shy San Francisco librarian and a bumbling cop fall in love as they solve a crime involving albinos, dwarves, and the Catholic Church.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Unless it's played again later...
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" from Grease sung by Olivia Newton John

Movie Synopsis: Greaser Danny and good girl Sandy fall in love over the summer and then have difficulties as couple once school starts.

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

Is it important to the plot? Yes, it expresses Sandy's love for Danny, even though he's a big prick.

Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"When You're Loved" from The Magic of Lassie sung by Debby Boone

Movie Synopsis: Lassie's original owner takes her back, but she escapes and returns home.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I do not know.
Is it important to the plot? Uhh...
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"The Last Time I Felt Like This" from Same Time, Next Year sung by Johnny Mathis & Jane Oliver

Movie Synopsis: Two married people continue an affair at the same time every year.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Um, not sure.
Is it important to the plot? Uh...
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-

"Last Dance" from Thank God It's Friday sung by Donna Summer

Movie Synopsis: It's about Disco.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Donna Summer just performs it at the Disco.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.


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So what won?
"Last Dance" from Thank God It's Friday

What would I have voted for?

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" from Grease

Is anyone shocked? Anyone? Anyone?

Analysis
I love 70's music, so I loved every insipid, saccharine sweet song from this year. Have these songs stood the test of time? Not really. Only "Hopelessly Devoted"...and that's because Grease is the only movie out of this bunch that anyone remembers. Yes, a Disco song won. And it was probably crowd pleasing at the time. Just wait, the same thing will happen in 20 years with "It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp". (Actually, that's kind of happening now).

Best Original Song - 1949

"Through a Long and Sleepless Night" from Come to the Stable sung by Eileen Wilson and Ken Darby


Movie Synopsis: Two nuns from a French convent arrive in a small New England town with a plan to build a children's hospital.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes, it's performed by two characters.
Is it important to the plot? It's a love song and probably furthers the romantic plot.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"It's a Great Feeling" from It's a Great Feeling sung by Doris Day


Movie Synopsis: A waitress at the Warner Brothers commissary is anxious to break into pictures and his helped by two actors, both interested in her.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits, and then played at various times throughout the movie.
Is it important to the plot? Maybe.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"My Foolish Heart" from My Foolish Heart sung by Martha Mears


Movie Synopsis: A woman reunites with her friend, passes out drunk at her home, and reminisces about their past romantic entanglements.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I do not know.
Is it important to the plot? It feels like an opening credits song.


Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" from Neptune's Daughter sung by Ricardo Montalbon & Esther Williams and Red Skelton & Betty Garrett


Movie Synopsis: Romance and mistaken identity complicate the lives of two couples.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. Twice in fact.
Is it important to the plot? It is sung by both couples to show the differences in their relationships.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-

"Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly)" from So Dear to My Heart sung by Burl Ives


Movie Synopsis: A young boy strives to raise a lamb and present him at the county fair, despite his grandmother's objections.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Not really. Burle Ives just kinds of sings it for past time.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

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So what won?

"Baby It's Cold Outside" from Neptune's Daughter

What would I have voted for?

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" from Neptune's Daughter.

This is not a Christmas song. It was never intended to be a Christmas song. Stupid radio stations looking for any song with the world "snow" "winter" or "cold" in the title, kidnapped it and ever since then, this song has lost it's original meaning (which, by the way, is borderline creepy). Anyway, this one is the most important to the plot out of these five movies. It's also catchy and has stood the test of time.

Analysis
An average year at the Oscars (at least for song) I would say. I do blame a little of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" 's current success on it's Christmas connotations. It would be interesting to see if it would remotely popular today, if it weren't played ad nauseum every December.

Best Original Song - 1964

"Dear Heart" from Dear Heart sung by Chorus.

Movie Synopsis: A lonely, single woman falls in love with an engaged man.

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

"Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" from Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte sung by Al Martin

Movie Synopsis: The arrival of a lost relative, engulfs terror upon an aging southern belle, forever plagued by a horrifying family secret.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Unsure. My guess is an opening credits song.
Is it important to the plot? N/A
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"Chim Chim Cher-ee" from Mary Poppins sung by Dick van Dyke and Julie Andrews

Movie Synopsis: A magic nanny comes to work for a cold banker's unhappy family.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Well...Bert sings about his enjoyment as a chimney sweep. You decide.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"My Kind of Town" from Robin and the 7 Hoods sung by Frank Sinatra

Movie Synopsis: A musical version of Robin Hood set in prohibition era Chicago featuring the Rat Pack.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Since it's a musical, yeah.
Is it important to the plot? Sure?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Where Love Has Gone" from Where Love Has Gone sung by Jack Jones

Movie Synopsis: A divorced couple's teen-age daughter stands trial for stabbing her mother's latest lover.

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

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So what won?
"Chim Chim Cher-ee" from Mary Poppins

What would I have voted for?
"Chim Chim Cher-ee" from Mary Poppins.

It's the strongest and the most memorable.

Analysis
The most surprising thing about 1964 is that more songs from Mary Poppins weren't nominated. And out of all the songs, "Chim Chim Cher-ee" is the one chosen from the bunch of gold nuggets including "Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious" and "A Spoonful of Sugar". Maybe there was a rule forbidding multiple nominations in this category. Hmmm...The rest of the nominees are standard Henry Mancini/Andy Williams-esque fair. That over the top, melodramatic sound was so popular then. I hope the same happens for hip-hop in forty years. Oh snap!