Monday, December 8, 2008

Deanna Durbin

I was recently talking to a friend about Deanna Durbin -the singing movie star from the 30s and 40s. We found out that we both have loved her since childhood! I came across a picture of her taken in the early 80s and was surprised to see she was totally recognizeable from herself as a teenager -check this out.Born in 1921, she started out with a studio contract in 1935 along with Judy Garland (the other teen singing actress!). After creating many movies though as the singing teenager, she wanted more sophisticated, grown-up roles which studios and audiences were reluctant to see her in. She retired then in 1949, married and moved to France where she continues to live in retirement.
This video below shows her at age 14 (with that voice!) in her first movie 'Three smart girls". Definitely check out any of her movies, they're delightful!

9 comments:

Renée Finberg said...

OMG,
i will send this to my mom.
she is obbsessed with her.

xx

ArchitectDesign™ said...

As per usual, Renee, I have a lot in common withe little old ladies...granny chic, thats me!

An Aesthete's Lament said...

How old is the second picture? That can't possibly be a woman in her mid 80s! (If it is, I want the name of her surgeon.)

ArchitectDesign™ said...

She is in her early 70s in that photo, AAL -she looks fantastic! I couldn't find a more recent photo -and thats the only one I could find post the late 1950's.

An Aesthete's Lament said...

I just realized ... the photograph was snapped by her third husband, Charles David, who directed her in the movie "Lady on a Train". And Wikipedia states that she used her real name, Edna, in private life.

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone,

I too am a Deanna Durbin fan and love her singing and acting so much that I have seen all her movies and also started a tribute website filled with photos and information about her brilliant career. Actually, Deanna's birth name was spelt Edna MAY Durbin and I have an autographed photo with that spelling. Believe it or not, 11 Deanna Durbin albums were released this year alone and thankfully, all her movies are available on DVD from many sources. I have some of her movies in full on my site for her fans to enjoy for free. And a big Happy Birthday to Deanna who recently turned 87 on the 4th of December.

www.deannadurbindevotees.com

Alex

ArchitectDesign™ said...

TX, thanks for dropping by and giving us a link to your blog, I can't wait to read more about Deanna! I own most of her movies on DVD that I've gotten recently too. She's the same age as my grandma!

Tess Kincaid said...

Wow, that picture taken of her in the 80's looks fab! I've only seen one of her movies and think she is so charming.

edi gardner said...

what a voice! supercalifragilistic :-)