Which Song Won The Oscar-1954

 

As it goes onward, I keep forgetting to let you know which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which got 0 love. I will keep trying to remember to post, the next day, who won, etc… 1954 is at the height of many musicals before the decline of this major genre. Maybe the musical was already declining but I still like to think it was big back then. I'm joining Monday Music Moves Me  on Wednesday and hope you enjoy. Onwards to the 3 songs, let’s see if you guess which won, which was nominated and which ended up empty.

1. THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN SUNG BY FRANK SINATRA

I will be honest and say…I don’t like this song. I hate the way the tune starts up high before the singer takes the minor notes down…it just makes me cringe. This was written by Julie Stein with lyrics by Sammy Cahn who had a big hit since the majority of the people love this song which is why you can hear it still on other shows and movies( like Planes, Trains and Automobiles). This was sung by Frank Sinatra in the opening credits of the movie with the same name. It’s all about romance and this film is just that with the Trevi Fountain as the main focus in the film.

2. THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY SUNG BY JUDY GARLAND

This became a signature tune for Judy Garland, along with Over The Rainbow, which is from the film, “A Star Is Born.” This film is a remake from the same title from 1937, but done as a musical love note for Judy who should have won the best actress Oscar instead of Grace Kelly. Poor Judy was in the hospital, having just given birth to her son, Joey, surrounded by reporters, since everyone was expecting her to win. When Grace’s name was called, Judy said the reporters packed up so fast and left, she was feeling like very old news. This is one great song written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Ira Gershwin that is one great torch song.

3. WHEN YOU’RE IN LOVE SUNG BY JANE POWELL AND HOWARD KEEL

This song, written by Gene de Paul with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, was the love song that united the characters played by Jane Powell and Howard Keel as she goes to her new home with her new husband. It’s a very sweet song that works so well with the soprano voice of Jane and the baritone voice of Keel. While they sing, his brothers really know how to dance and win the eyes and eventual hearts of 6 maidens during the Barn raising scene. This is a dance like no other with acrobatics, logs, boards and axes all part of the dance. That dance is a must see even if you never watch the film. 

So, can you guess which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which ended up empty?