Catalogue: JASCD 101
Price Code: B
Release Date: 01/11/1995
Bar Code: 5013727 01012 7
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Deanna DURBINCan’t Help Singing
 
1936 was a watershed year for Universal
Pictures, for two reasons. It was the year in which the founder of the now
ailing studios was swept aside, together with his family employees, and replaced
by an entirely new management. It was also the year that heralded the arrival of
a bright new star whose films were to be instrumental in saving the organization
from complete bankruptcy. An immigrant from Germany, Carl Laemmle formed
Universal in 1912 and the company flourished throughout the era of silent
pictures and into the early days of the talkies. By 1935, with extravagant
expenditure on too many prestige productions, some of which turned out to be
box-office failures, the company was faced with financial problems. Yet, in
spite of this, Laemmle and his family were paying themselves top salaries.
Mortgaging all future productions, a substantial loan was sought from the
investment company Standard Capital, headed by one Charles Rogers. "Show Boat"
was being filmed at this time, and when production problems and delays
necessitated yet more finance, the stock-holders decided they had had enough. In
1936, the whole nepotistic Laemmle regime was forced out and the studios were
taken over by the investment company with Rogers himself as head of production.
An immediate cut-back on budgets, particularly those for major projects, was
ordered, which meant there were to be more 'B' pictures. There now enters upon
the scene a new Universal signing by the name of Deanna Durbin.
Produced by Geoff Milne
Price:
£8.99
Quantity:
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