As a tribute to Deanna Durbin, following her recent death at the age of 91, here's a scene from 'Because of Him' (1945). She's a stage-struck waitress who tricks a famous actor, played by Charles Laughton, into giving her his autograph without him knowing he's signing a 'Letter of Introduction'. Using this letter, she fools people into believing Laughton wants her as his leading lady in his next play. He soon rumbles her little scheme however and, finding her lacking in any acting experience, tells her she'll be ready to appear on the stage in a few years time. While he phones for a cab to take her home, Deanna breaks into song with "Danny Boy," causing Laughton to relent and make her his leading lady after all. This was their second film together, their first having been "It Started with Eve" in 1941. (From the 'Deanna Durbin Collection' DVD Catalogue No. DD06490.)
6 окт 2024
