STORY—AND DENIAL

Evening Star, Issue 23657, 17 August 1940, Page 5

STORY—AND DENIAL

Without a word of publicity the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, has engaged Deanna Durbin to sing next year. She will draw a salary of £250 each night she sings. Opening night at the Metropolitan with the Diamond Horseshoe aglitter, is the last great social occasion left to this poor old world, states an English writer. It’ll be good to see little Deanna of the dimples standing up to the dowagers. There hasn’t been a coloratura soprano at the Metropolitan weighing under 12st since Toti dal Monte and Lily Pons. Deanna tips it at Bst 41b. _ . Issuing a denial to stories which stated that Deanna Durbin contemplated grand opera appearances, spokesmen of Universal Studios are quoted as follows;

“ Recently published reports to the effect that Deanna Durbin has signed a contract to sing for the Metropolitan Opera are completely unfounded. Neither Miss Durbin nor any of her representatives have been approached by the Metropolitan Opera Company concerning this rumoured proposal. Miss Durbin is under exclusive contract to Universal Studios, and has never considered a proposition from the Metropolitan or any other opera company.”