DEANNA DURBIN - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH CIRCA 1938 - HFSID 288749

DEANNA DURBIN
Shown in print dress, smiling over her shoulder, inscribed in person to collector Saul Goodman
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Saul/Deanna Durbin". B/w, 8x10. Collector's ink stamp on verso dates signature: March 29, 1938. 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. Saul Goodman (1919-2003), a New York business man by day, pursued his love of film and theatre in the evening, making friends with many celebrities. While other autograph seekers offered album leaves, Goodman presented stars with snazzy photographs, a rarity then, to sign in fountain pen. Light edge nicks and creases. Scattered light surface marks. Otherwise, fine condition.