DEANNA DURBIN - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 44478

DEANNA DURBIN
Vintage sepia publicity photograph of Deanna Durbin wearing a dark hat and top.
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Ray Coontz/Best regards,/Deanna Durbin". Sepia, 7½x9½. Photo by Ray Jones. 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. Lightly creased at upper right background touches the first "a" in Deanna and 2 letters of inscription. Defects from original negative have reproduced at lower margin. Ink stamps on verso (no show through). Overall, fine condition.