The Story

Have you ever heard of Deanna Durbin?  Neither did I until I heard “the story.”

Apparently, Ms. Durbin (born in 1921) was a child movie star (1936 to 1942) with a sweet soprano voice who charmed American audiences during the Depression and saved Universal Pictures from bankruptcy.  In 1942 she was the second highest paid woman in America, second to Bette Davis, and continued acting for several years in adult roles. She just passed away in May at 91 years old.

When I saw the death notice in the newspaper in May, it brought back memories.  Although I did not know much about Ms. Durbin, I did know she was a famous actress before my time.  My parents told “the story” about their connection to Ms. Durbin many times over the years so I knew all about it.

Mom and Dad married in June 1947 in San Francisco.  They planned their honeymoon at the Highlands Inn in Carmel.  But, when they got to the Highlands Inn, there apparently was some mix-up with their reservation.  They did not have a room after all. 

I guess the reservation desk people felt sorry for the cute couple.  Management wanting to make things right, told my parents that they lucked out simply because Ms. Deanna Durbin just vacated her room and they could have it for the week.

The way I figure it, Ms. Durbin was about 26 years old at that time when my parents were 20 and 21.  They certainly knew who she was and knew of her fame.  My parents were thrilled to be able to stay in a room that was good enough for a Hollywood star for an entire week.  Can you imagine the look on their faces when they walked into this beautiful suite?  Mom said it was incredible.  They stayed there in the five room suite with a huge veranda overlooking the ocean on all sides as can be seen in my Mom’s note.  She even remarked about the beautiful fireplace.  I wonder how many of those nights in June they even used the fireplace.  Attached are photos taken at that time in the suite.  The Highlands Inn has undergone several remodel projects in the past 65 years, and I doubt if that suite is even still there. 

Even though I did not know of Deanna Durbin’s movies or her singing abilities, the name was of someone famous to my parents and people of their generation. 

Like one of my favorites, Shirley Temple, transitioning from a child star to an adult star in those days (as well as today) was not an easy accomplishment and as I read about Ms. Durbin, she left the business and moved to France to start a family in about 1950 and never looked back. 

We all know what happened with Shirley Temple, the other child star of that timeframe.  If I recall correctly, she married well, had a family, and became a US Ambassador.  She is still one of my favorites and there is not one movie she made when I didn’t need a box of kleenex at my side.  That pout always got me, even as an adult.  I think the first movie I saw her in was “Heidi” and if I am not mistaken, I saw it in Catholic school in the auditorium as a special treat. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen it since.

What happens to child stars today?  Seems like instead of fading off in the sunset or going to school to learn something new and find a new career, they get involved in drugs and make headlines like Lindsay Lohan or Amanda Bynes.  What a shame. 

But if they make a sex tape…they could continue their fame like Kim Kardashian and turn into billionaires.  Even get the family involved.  Even get a multi-million dollar contract to do a reality show.  Oh brother, don’t get me started!!