DEANNA DURBIN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 269437

DEANNA DURBIN
Vintage black and white publicity photograph of Deanna Durbin in a scene from Three Smart Girls.
Photograph signed: "Deanna Durbin/David". B/w with brown hue, 10x8¼ overall, image 9¼x7 (one surface). Still from her 1937 film, Three Smart Girls. Captioned at lower margin: "Deanna Durbin and May Milland in 'Three Smart Girls' with Binnie Barnes, Charles Winninger, Mischa Auer and Nan Grey." Her debut film for Universal after being dropped by M-G-M after making one feature film with Judy Garland in 1936. The revenues from this film, in which Durbin starred as Penny Craig, and Durbin's next film, One Hundred Men and a Girl, saved the studio from bankruptcy. 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. Minor surface creases and scratches (most not evident head on). Ink note (unknown hand) on verso (no show through). Overall, fine condition.