Never has a “star” blazed more brightly across the Hollywood silver screen world as did Deanna Durbin. Without any stage or movie experience she flashed on the screen with a box office smash in 1936, at the age of fourteen, and continued with financial successes year after year – movie after movie to become Hollywood’s highest paid actress. In 1949, at the age of 28, she walked away from all of it too take up housekeeping and raising children with her third husband in the environs of Paris, France - stepping out of the spotlight into anonymity. However, when she died April 17, 2013 obituaries from around the world loudly proclaimed – Deanna Durbin was not forgotten.
In these pages you will find biographical information as well as a look at every movie in which she starred.
The publication of this book marks the second book by William Harper for BearManor Media. In 2007 his definitive study of the late 40s and early 50s NABISCO’s promotion; Straight Arrow was released.
William Harper
Born March 6, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio Harper grew up in Augusta, Georgia, moving there in 1945 when his father returned home. Graduating from the Academy of Richmond County he began the contentious spiraling process of working for a living. Milkman, candy man, A&P produce department clerk – throw in a little college and Coast Guard time – he tried financing – selling money and with the GI bill finished college in 1970. Then school teaching, headmaster of an alternative schools – Our School – then on to Proctor and Gamble then the North Augusta (South Carolina) Star Newspaper for an off and on 24 years – with breaks for travels – Europe, Greece and across America – managing a used bookstore. Joined the staff of The Church of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in 1999 – entering his 20th year.
A pre-movie Universal Studio video advertisement introduced Harper to Deanna Durbin, which led to his research and eventual manuscript.
Harper has been active in various other research projects as well as publicly displaying facets of his many collections. He wrote two chapters for McFarland & Company’s publication; Radio Rides the Range (2014). He resides in North Augusta, South Carolina and works in Augusta, Georgia – across the river.
