| which was a big hit back in 1940, but never formally released on DVD and considered pretty rare to see from her film output. It's an operetta-type plot with Durbin in great form and voice, even dancing in a hilarious dance duel bet with Mischa Auer (for a goat!), plus she gets great support from Robert Cummings, the wonderful S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall in his first year in Hollywood and Henry Stephenson as the Emperor. Yes, it's old-fashioned and the link I've given you isn't the greatest copy, but it's very enjoyable, and it just might transport you for about an hour and half. It'll also give you some idea of why Anne Frank, secluded and in hiding with her family back in Amsterdam during WWII, had pictures of her favorite movie star, Deanna Durbin, posted on her wall to dream about better times. It's also a musical, so you can study the structure, the writing and song placement if that'll keep it on topic. :) |
