Can't Help Singing (Deanna Durbin 1936-1944) (1995)
Devoted fans aside, most people's awareness of Deanna Durbin is probably the result of a chance encounter with the occasional television matine featuring an item from her prodigious film output of the 1930s and 40s. She was blessed equally with a winning juvenile screen presence and a sweet, light soprano: in many respects, the Charlotte Church of her day. But unlike her contemporary Judy Garland, Durbin called it a day in the mid-1940s and withdrew completely from the glare of the spotlight. On the evidence of this selection of operatic extracts, folk songs and standards--many conducted by Charles Previn--her particular talent for imbuing lyrics with simple, wholesome honesty is worth more than a second hearing. "My Own", "Home Sweet Home", "Poor Butterfly" and "Annie Laurie" are still remarkably touching. And although some of the adulterated arias will curry few favours with modern taste, Durbin could clearly have made a career in light opera and operetta once she had outgrown the juvenile leads. For everyone who likes a little sugar with their nostalgia. -- Piers Ford
Sponsored Links |
|
(1940) Deanna Durbin Classics! Playable on WorldWide DVD
www.boxofficegreats.com
The Movie Collector's Website! 1000s of titles not found elsewhere
www.MoviesUnlimited.com
|
The NexTag shopping search engine has prices from name brand stores all over the web. Compare prices for computers, electronics, books, CDs, movies, office products and video games. Become a seller yourself today!