 The films storyline of a G.I.s romance with a Canteen girl named  Irene was inspired by the song, "I Left My Heart at the Stage Door  Canteen", written by Irving Berlin, and recorded in 1942 by singer  Kenny Baker (who appears in this film). The opening lyrics of the  song are, "I left my heart at the Stage Door Canteen / I left it  there with a girl named Irene."