In World War I, France's favorite song was the lilting Madelon. The first seven months of World War II produced no successor. One try, Victoire, Daughter of Madelon, was a by-blow which died aborning. For the honor of the Republic, and to give French soldiers something to sing, a contest was held which brought in 484 war songs. Twenty jurors winnowed the songs down to 20, which were sung for ten days to the Paris public. Last week the votes were in. Soldiers' votes counted five; civilians' one. All jingo songs were quickly eliminated:...
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