" AC -CENT--TCHU-ATE THE POSITIVE" ARLEN AND MERCER SCORE AGAIN

" Ac--Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive"   Arlen and Mercer Score Again !  In 1944, Arlen and Merce againt teamed in another wartime film called Here Come The Waves . There was a big drive to enlist both women ( as Waves) and men into Navy service as the war effort ramped up, especially in the Pacific arena. It is an infectious, rousing melody and matched by Mercer's use of sermon-like invocations to " Eliminate the Negative." The song is still quite popular despite the fact that the film version has Crosby and Sonny Tufts in blackface.

It is embarrassing to see such a stereotypical portrayal given today's more enlightened attitudes but it  is worth seeing because it is a historical fact. Crosby as a mailman and Sonny Tufts as a uniformed doorman do perform well despite the overly drawn, so-called black singing styles. The production number, done as part of an actual stage show, is quite well done with imaginative choreography generating quite a positive atmosphere on the stage scene from the film.  
 
As a contrast, listen to Johnny Mercer sing his own song with the Pied Pipers.
It reflects his deep Southern heritage without descending into a paternalistic imitation of gospel sincerity. Mercer also sings the verse which is an important element insetting the stage for the " sermon" abut to be delivered to . again. "Eliminate the Negative."
Crosby/Tufts Link: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GLz5OjosOo

Mercer Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3jdbFOidds






























9 referring to