DEANNA DURBIN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/11/1941 - HFSID 313721

DEANNA DURBIN
Having just finished making It Started With Eve, she writes that working with Charles Laughton is a "great honor," and working again with Bob Cummings is "loads of fun".
Typed Letter signed: "Deanna", 1 page, 5½x8½. Universal Pictures, Inc., Universal City, California, 1941 December 11. On personal letterhead to "Dear Mrs. Anne", in full: "Just a note to let you know I received your very nice letter. Please forgive me for the delay in answering, but as 'It Started With Eve' is now finished, I have more time for letter writing. Working with such a fine actor as Charles Laughton is indeed a great honor and pleasure, and having Bob Cummings in the picture for the third time is, as usual, loads of fun. The picture has many funny incidents throughout, and I do hope that you will enjoy seeing it. Thanks for writing and please accept my very best wishes. Your friend". Accompanied by unsigned photo of Durbin with skis.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. Toned. Light moisture defects in the bottom left corner. Normal mailing folds. Photo toned all over, heavily in the bottom left corner. Otherwise, fine condition.