Book Review: Deanna Durbin in Hollywood - Her Life, Films, and Music

Back in the 1960 a writer named Richard Lamparski began releasing “Whatever Became Of….” books where he’d locate long retired performers from the past and showing how they look and what they’ve been doing.  This is long pre-internet where such information was elusive.  Lamparski continued this popular series until toward the end of the 20th century.  And he continued to state that the request he got most from his readers was regarding the whereabouts of Deanna Durbin.

Author Barry Lowe’s new book from McFarland offers a thorough and fascinating look at Durbin’s career and how she became so beloved.

Lowe’s book recalls her appearance with an awkward teenager named Frances Gumm in the MGM musical short film Every Sunday.  MGM chose to hire Gumm, who became Judy Garland, while Durbin went to Universal and shot up to stardom with Three Smart Girls (1938).

The author covers Durbin’s entire screen career, showing her ability to play in musicals, to handle comedy, and to effectively do drama.  He shows how she was able to maintain stardom as she aged, and emerge from her teenage years to more adult roles in films like It Started With Eve (1941) and Lady on a Train (1945). 

Deanna Durbin retired as a young woman in 1949 and remained out of the spotlight until her passing at age 91 in 2013.  She was never forgotten. However, her being away from the spotlight resulted in rumors of health issues, reclusiveness, even that she had gained a great deal of weight.  None were true. The author proves this by posting an attractive latter-day pic of Deanna which had once been sent to film historian William K. Everson.

Barry Lowe’s book is more than merely a biography, it is also a filmography, and a critical appreciation.  These concepts all blend to offer what is likely the quintessential study of Deanna Durbin’s life and career.  It is a must for libraries, research centers, and fans.

The book is published by McFarland and Company and can be ordered at this link: DURBIN.