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THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

HARRY WARREN

”DOWN ARGENTINE WAY”

And just like that, it was over. Jack Warner had scored more misses than hits with his musicals in the 1930s. The division would continue with “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” but the fire was out. Harry had signed with Vitagraph in 1925, learned the movie trade in Brooklyn, and moved to Warners when the studio acquired Vitagraph and its patented Vitaphone sound system. Now it was time to find a new home.

Over at 20th Century Fox, the musical division was producing hits, and Harry signed with Daryl Zanuck, teaming with lyricist Mack Gordon. Unlike the Warners musicals, which were shot in black and white, Fox opted for color.

This 1940 film of the same title featured Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, and a master of light comedy, Don Ameche. Catch that fine tenor voice in this clip from the movie! This song was nominated for an Oscar, but “When You Wish Upon a Star” won for that year.

In 1982, long after his retirement, a recommendation from Ralph Bellamy brought Don back to work in “Trading Places,” a John Landis comedy featuring Dan Ackroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis and Eddie Murphy. Don’s career took off again.

Don Ameche & Betty Grable: “Down Argentine Way”

This clip from the movie features the dancing brothers. We’ve lost so much in 78 years.

The Nicholas Brothers: “Down Argentine Way”