DEANNA DURBIN - AUTOGRAPH QUOTATION SIGNED - HFSID 55392

DEANNA DURBIN
Deanna Durbin pens an autograph quotation on an album leaf.
Autograph Quotation Signed: "Deanna Durbin", 6x4½ album leaf. In full: "'I Love to Whistle'/while/'It's Raining Sunbeams'/and 'Chapel Bells'/softly chime." The actress known for her fine soprano voice has incorporated the titles of three of her popular songs into this quote. Actress/singer Deanna Durbin (1921-2013) was Judy Garland's main film rival as an everyday girl with a beautiful voice. The two had "auditioned" for M-G-M in a 1936 one-reeler, Every Sunday, which resulted in Garland being picked up by the studio. Universal Pictures decided to gamble on Durbin's potential, and the revenue from her two hits, Three Smart Girls (1936) and One Hundred Men and a Girl, saved Universal from bankruptcy. In 1938, Durbin, who would appear in a number of films that showcased her voice, was awarded a special Academy Award "for bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth."In addition to her acting, the soprano began recording for Decca as she was just turning 15. After making Lady on a Train in 1948, Durbin became disillusioned with Hollywood. She retired to France with her third husband, director Charles David, who had directed the film. In the era of cable TV, however, her old films have attracted a new following, and many of her original recordings have been reissued. Slightly soiled. Torn at blank left edge, right corners neatly cut off. Remnants at upper left blank edge. Defects can be trimmed away. Overall, fine condition.