Irish Eyes Are Smiling is a biographical musical that chronicles famous Irish songwriter Ernest R. Ball's (Dick Haymes) swift rise to stardom, highlighting many of his beloved melodies, including the title track, "When Irish Eyes are Smiling." Ball navigates the twists and turns of show business and falls for a dancer (June Haver). His romance eventually gets him mixed up with a dangerous crowd, including a charismatic snollygoster (Anthony Quinn) and an unsavory musical producer (Monty Woolley). It was nominated for a 1944 Academy Award for Best Original Score.